MOGADISHU (SD) – President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has suspended Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble from work over accusations of corruption, a move that could widen the current political crisis in Somalia.

In a statement by Villa Somalia, President Farmaajo has adjourned the powers of the premier over alleged corruption and misuse of public land.

The president in the statement said the prime minister was under investigation.

“Roble entered the fray with allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, and an investigation is underway to determine the allegations, the work and powers of the Prime Minister have been suspended pending an investigation,” the president’s statement read.

It added that other members of the Council of Ministers would continue their duties in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country.

The remarks of President Farmaajo hours after both leaders each accused the other of holding up ongoing parliamentary elections.

In a statement, Farmaajo accused his PM for failing to deliver his election mandate and called for a national conference in an indication he might be clawing back authority to oversee the long-delayed process from the PM.

Hours later, Roble fired back at President Mohamed Farmaajo accusing him of seeking to derail the elections and secure more extended stay in office.

Roble said the outgoing president had attempted severally to undermine the elections since he handed him over the responsibility in May this year.