Somalia Prime Ministers Turn Over
Five successive governments, a total of 12 prime ministers, will Somalia break away with its tumultuous political life.
Since the rebirth of the Somali government in Djibouti in late 2000, Somalia’s progress in building viable state institutions was in large part obstructed by frequent political infighting, resulting in political instabilities and a series of failed governments.
During this tumultuous period, five successive Somali governments churned out sixteen prime ministers: 12 were voted in by parliament, and 4 appointed to serve in interim capacities.
In February 2017, when former prime minister Mohamed Abdullah Mohamed (Farmaajo) – who has suffered the shortest stint and a bitter ouster – was elected Somali president, he vowed to end the country’s destabilizing political culture once and for all.
Two years on, his chosen prime minister, Mr. Hassan Ali Kheyre, continues to stay in office, despite many failed attempts to hold a no-confidence vote against him – one of which resulted in the counter-ouster of Speaker Jawaari.
This week, I ask if Somalia is going to break away from this tumultuous political life and chart a new golden era of stability. Is PM Kheyre going to break a record? What do you think?