The Speaker of the House of People has removed MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib from office a letter dated March 15, 2025, issued from the Office of the Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia (BJFS), announced that MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, who was elected from the Awdal region, had lost his membership in the House of the People. The reason stated was his absence from two consecutive parliamentary sessions without providing a valid justification.

In response, Abdullahi Hashi Abiib argued that he had sent a letter to fellow MPs and top government institutions explaining that he had planned to travel to Mogadishu and attend the 5th session of the BJFS. However, he claimed that his trip was canceled due to security threats, including threats from individuals within the government.

Some members of parliament opposed the opening of the first parliamentary sitting after an extended recess. These MPs, mainly from the opposition and senior parliamentary leadership, clashed over a motion to remove MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, leading to the complete halt of the parliamentary session.

The Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Adan Madobe), who addressed the session, declared the motion unlawful and refused to bring it forward.

So, How Can a Member of Parliament Lose Their Seat in the House of the People?

According to Article 8 of the Rules of Procedure of the 11th Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia, an MP can lose their seat for the following reasons:

1. Death of the Member
   If the MP passes away, their seat in the House of the People is automatically vacated.
   
2. Inability to Perform Duties
   If the MP experiences a prolonged inability to perform their parliamentary duties, they lose their seat.
   
3. Resignation
   If the MP submits a formal written resignation to the Speaker of the House and it is accepted, they forfeit their seat.
   
4. Unexcused Absence from Two Consecutive Sessions
   If an MP fails to attend two consecutive sessions without presenting a valid reason, they lose their seat.
   
5. Acceptance of a Non-Ministerial Government Post
   If the MP accepts a government position other than a ministerial one, they automatically lose their parliamentary membership.
   
6. Suspension of Citizenship Rights
   If an MP’s citizenship rights are legally suspended, they also lose their parliamentary seat.