MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – A chaotic brawl broke out in Somalia’s federal parliament on Wednesday, as mounting political tensions erupted into physical altercations amid efforts by lawmakers to unseat parliamentary Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe.
The session, held after several days of suspension, descended into disorder shortly after it commenced. Scores of police officers entered the parliamentary chamber to prevent lawmakers from approaching the speaker’s podium, triggering angry outbursts. MPs blew whistles, booed loudly, and several exchanged punches in an unprecedented scene of disorder.
Speaker Madobe, appearing visibly shaken, attempted to call MPs to order by naming them individually. In a moment that sparked widespread condemnation, he referred to some physically disabled MPs as “disabled” in a disparaging manner, and called others “senile,” instructing elderly legislators to sit down — remarks that drew sharp criticism from the public.
The session was abruptly suspended after parliamentary leadership failed to restore order. Security forces detained several journalists covering the incident, prompting concern from media watchdogs over press freedom and transparency.
The unrest comes amid growing divisions in parliament, with a faction of lawmakers pushing to remove Speaker Madobe following his dismissal of an anti-corruption MP who had exposed alleged government corruption and shared findings with international donors. The move is widely seen as politically motivated and has intensified scrutiny on the speaker’s leadership.
Such turmoil is not unprecedented in Somalia, where the final year of a government’s term is frequently marked by legislative infighting, leadership challenges, and motions of no-confidence that often paralyze parliamentary activity.
With the 2026 presidential election approaching, analysts warn that escalating political rifts could further destabilize Somalia’s fragile institutions and jeopardize key reforms sought by international partners.
Lawmakers behind the motion to oust the speaker have vowed to continue their efforts, calling his actions an abuse of power and a threat to accountability.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
