(Idil News) Saturday, 15 March 2025, the Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), announced the dismissal of Abdullahi Hashi Abib, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Awdal region. This unilateral action has sparked widespread concern over the erosion of legal norms, the abuse of power and the targeting of dissent within Somalia’s fragile democratic institutions.
A Breach of Legal Procedure
The dismissal of MP Abib is not only unjustified but also unlawful. Somalia’s parliamentary framework requires a two-thirds majority vote to remove a member—a threshold that has not been met in this case. Furthermore, the process must be initiated by the disciplinary committee, an independent body tasked with ensuring due process. By bypassing this mechanism, Speaker Madobe has effectively assumed the roles of prosecutor, judge and executioner, contravening the principles of fairness and accountability that underpin democratic governance.
This irregularity raises serious questions about the integrity of Somalia’s legislative processes. While it is well-documented that numerous MPs could face dismissal due to chronic absenteeism or other failings, the singling out of Dr. Abib suggests selective enforcement rather than a consistent application of the law. Equal treatment under transparent procedures is a cornerstone of legitimate governance; deviations from this standard undermine public trust and institutional credibility.
A Politically Motivated Move?
Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abib is no ordinary legislature member. He has earned recognition for his outspoken criticism of corruption and nepotism within Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration. His revelations have shone a light on opaque practices that threaten Somalia’s development and stability, making him a vocal advocate for accountability. The timing and manner of his dismissal strongly suggest that this action is less about parliamentary discipline and more about silencing a critic.
Such moves are emblematic of a broader trend in fragile states where power is wielded to suppress dissent rather than address systemic failings. By targeting Dr. Abib, Speaker Madobe—himself an MP with no legal authority to unilaterally expel a colleague—appears to be shielding vested interests rather than upholding the rule of law. This incident risks setting a dangerous precedent, where political loyalty trumps accountability, and whistleblowers are punished rather than protected.
The Cost of “Kangaroo Justice”
The term “kangaroo justice” has been aptly applied to this case, evoking images of arbitrary and prejudiced proceedings. When legal processes are circumvented, the consequences extend beyond the individual targeted. Public confidence in institutions erodes, impunity flourishes, and the space for constructive criticism shrinks. For a country like Somalia, still grappling with the legacies of conflict and governance challenges, such actions threaten to derail progress toward stability and democratic consolidation.
Transparency International has long emphasized that the rule of law is a prerequisite for combating corruption. Without adherence to fair and transparent procedures, efforts to hold public officials accountable falter. The dismissal of Dr. Abib is not merely a parliamentary dispute; it is a litmus test for Somalia’s commitment to these principles.
A Call for Accountability
The unlawful removal of Dr. Abib must not go unchallenged. Somalian authorities should immediately reinstate him pending a lawful and transparent review process, conducted in accordance with parliamentary rules. Civil society, regional stakeholders and the international community must also press for clarity on the motivations behind this decision and advocate for protections for those who expose corruption.
Speaker Madobe’s actions serve as a stark reminder that power without accountability breeds injustice. For Somalia to strengthen its democratic foundations, its leaders must prioritize the rule of law over political expediency. Anything less risks entrenching a system where corruption thrives and dissent is crushed—a scenario that Somali people and the global fight against corruption can ill afford.
Jibril Qoobeey, Idil News Desk.