MOGADISHU (SD) – Major roads in Mogadishu have this morning been sealed off and scores of security forces deployed ahead of the resumption of proceedings at the Lower House amid heightened fears MPs could pass a vote to extend the term of President Mohamed Farmaajo.

The paramilitary unit, Haram’ad has been stationed at Debka junction through to Daljir Dahsoon monument blocking entry to parliament buildings and Villa Somalia.

Last session, the government blocked roads from the 15 MPs who were suspended by speaker Mohamed Mursal after they attempted to make way into the chamber. The MPs who supports the opposition were accused of obstructing the House’s session to discuss COVID-19.

The opposition has accused Mursal, a close ally of Farmaajo of using parliament to secure the president’s extended stay in office.

Somalia opposition leader and former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also spilled the beans about plans of president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo whose term has ended last February to seek “illegal term extension” over dialogue with the political stakeholders.

In a statement on Sunday, UN, AU, EU and IGAD warned Farmajo Farmajo and his team against extension, affirming their decision not to support partial elections or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates.

The international community has been pressing Somali leaders to end the political stalemate and lead the nation towards peaceful and inclusive elections.