MOGADISHU, 14 April, 2021 (TON): A controversial law extending the President’s mandate for another two years has been signed by the Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi.

This move came despite threats of sanctions from the international community.

The media said, “The president, better known by his nickname Farmajo, had signed into law the special resolution guiding the elections of the country after it was unanimously passed by parliament.”

On Monday, Somalia’s lower house of parliament voted to extend the president’s mandate which expired in February after months of deadlock over the holding of elections in the fragile nation.
However, the speaker of the Senate criticized the move and called it unconstitutional, and the resolution was not put before the upper house, which would normally be required, before being signed into law.

Also, the United States and European Union have condemned the move by Somalia’s parliament to extend the terms of the president and members of parliament by two years amid concern it could deepen divides in the country.