MOGADISHU (SD) – Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has set up a ministerial committee to investigate an alleged coup attempt by president Mohamed Farmaajo.

In a statement, Roble said he had appointed a 5-member ministerial committee to investigate the December 27 “attempted coup”. 

The committee led by Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur includes close allies of the prime minister, such as the ministers of security, education and public works.

The development comes five days soldiers allied to President Mohamed Farmaajo blocked the prime minister from accessing his office.

 The PM was later escorted on foot by AMISOM soldiers and the move was condemned by US and the country’s opposition leaders.

Hours later, Roble said in a video statement from his office that the move to block him from accessing his office was another attempt by Farmaajo to ensure a continued stay in power.

He urged Farmaajo to step aside and compete like other presidential candidates.

Roble further said he will not allow Farmaajo to undermine the elections noting he is in charge and will ensure it is concluded soon.