Somalia's new parliament elects speakers of the lower and upper houses

[africangear]

Abdi Hashi and Adan Madoobe

Following a year-long political uncertainty in the country, Somalia's new parliament have elected Sheikh Adan Madoobe as the speaker of the lower house and Abdi Hasi as the speaker of the Upper house.

Somalia’s Senate, and now the Lower House, are in the hands of prominent opposition leaders with significant clout to influence political trends and dynamics.

Somalia was meant to elect a new president last year but failed to do so before Farmajo's mandate expired in February 2021. Farmajo tried to extend his rule by decree, sparking violent street battles in Mogadishu.

The combined weight of Abdi Hashi and Adan Madoobe, as Upper and Lower House speakers, respectively, certainly elevates the chances of the opposition in the presidential race.