After a long recess, the Somali Federal Parliament’s first session of the week opened today in chaos, with disruptions triggered by MPs demanding the inclusion of a motion related to the dismissal of MP Abdullahi Hashi Abib.

The session was immediately marred by commotion as several lawmakers called for the agenda to include a motion challenging the expulsion of MP Abib from parliament. The leadership of the House of the People rejected the request, citing internal parliamentary procedures that allegedly prevent such motions from being entertained.

In response to the unrest, the Speaker of the House announced the suspension of the day’s session due to the disorder caused by the MPs pushing the motion.

“Today, our fellow MPs violated procedure, destroyed microphones, and disrupted the session, which led me to postpone today’s sitting,” the Speaker stated.

He further urged any MP with legal arguments to submit them formally in the next day’s session.

Following the adjournment, some MPs addressed the media outside parliament, accusing the leadership of infringing on their constitutional rights—particularly the right to propose motions and suggest changes to the session agenda.

“What happened today in parliament was unacceptable. Our right as MPs to introduce motions, amend agendas, and present proposals was completely denied. The Speaker took those rights away from us. The result? Parliament couldn’t proceed,” said MP Dahir Amin Jesow.

The controversy stems from a decision announced on March 15, when the Speaker declared that MP Abdullahi Hashi Abib had lost his seat in the House due to missing two consecutive parliamentary sessions. As a result, his seat—HOP201—was declared vacant.

However, lawmakers opposed to the Speaker’s ruling argue that proper legal procedures were not followed in stripping Abib of his seat and have vowed to continue challenging the decision.