The 6th session of the Somali Parliament is set to officially commence later this week, on the 22nd of this month, Saturday. This opening of the House is timed with mounting murmurs of possible motion against Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, led by some members of Parliament.
Up to 60 ministers form the government which constitutes the Cabinet of the House of the People, followed by 30 MPs receiving minimal monthly pays and 30 others receiving lands and various contracts associated with the government. This gives the total of 120 MPs, though those who gain from contracts and lands are usually senior MPs who are often not in a position to defend Prime Minister Hamza when he becomes the victim of a motion.
Out of the 155 members of the House of the people currently opposed to Hamza’s government and the system adopted by President Hassan Sheik, most are very much not against it in principle but are merely pursuing their personal interests, being fights over financial gain, land grants given to MPs close to the President, and even others who suspect that a new government may be an opportunity for the various ministerial posts.
Since Mr. Hamza has taken office, he has really felt the heat in terms of opposition against him from Parliament. He does not seem to have very much power with which to defend himself, as he has not control of the MPs, economy, or the army.
The question remains: Will President Hassan Sheikh defend him? The issues vary on whether or not President Hassan Sheikh will defend Prime Minister Hamza: while some believe that he could mediate this issue in a way that might save Prime Minister Hamza from other motions against him, others are of the opinion that President Hassan Sheikh is poised to defend Hamza at this time.
Some individuals have claimed that President Hassan Sheikh is fed up with Prime Minister Hamza. He sees Prime Minister Hamza as one who lacks proper support from his clan and the regional states; one who cannot contribute to security, attract foreign financial support, or resolve internal political issues. The cabinet, meanwhile, has not exhibited any degree of strength, and therefore, it would not be such a long task to convince President Hassan Sheikh not to spend much time defending Hamza when the President sees anything serious that requires approval by vote.
Other political analysts expect that President Hassan Sheikh will defend Prime Minister Hamza from the criticism for it is unlikely to be easy for him to find anyone who would take the entire scandal upon themselves.
All eyes are on the impending decisions of President Hassan Sheikh, whose immediate moves in the course of the next days may reveal whether he moves towards rejection or aggrandized fulfillment.