MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s former Prime Minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble, has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of reneging on a promise to reverse controversial constitutional amendments, following pressure from his inner circle.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Thursday, Mr Roble said the president had initially agreed to retract disputed changes to the provisional constitution and return to the original text before opening dialogue on electoral tensions. The former prime minister claimed Mr Mohamud requested time to consult with his advisers before proceeding.
However, according to Mr Roble, the president reversed his position after those consultations, now insisting the amendments stand – a move that has drawn criticism from key political figures and intensified the country’s already fraught political landscape.
Mr Roble launched a scathing attack on the president, accusing him of corruption and betraying the trust of the Somali people. “Unfortunately, he has proven to be a man without mercy – driven by ambition and steeped in corruption,” Roble said. “He has legitimised the misuse of public assets he swore upon the Qur’an to protect.”
The former premier, who played a pivotal role in Mr Mohamud’s re-election in 2022, said he now regrets that support, calling the president’s actions a “heinous” betrayal.
His remarks come just days after former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and three former Somali presidents – Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Abdikasim Salad Hassan, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo – jointly accused Mr Mohamud of corruption. They allege he has overseen the sale of public land, with the proceeds ending up in private accounts, and have called on him to cease what they describe as the plundering of national wealth.
The mounting criticism reflects growing discontent among Somalia’s political elite amid heightened tensions over constitutional reforms and upcoming elections.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
