Somalia’s federal parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday as political tensions reached a breaking point, culminating in a violent brawl on the chamber floor.
The confrontation erupted during a highly anticipated session convened after a week-long suspension, amid growing calls by lawmakers to impeach parliamentary Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe.
The proceedings turned disorderly moments after they began, with a large contingent of police officers entering the chamber to prevent members of parliament (MPs) from approaching the speaker’s podium. The heavy security presence only inflamed tensions, triggering jeers, shouting, and physical confrontations among MPs. Lawmakers blew whistles, booed vociferously, and several were seen exchanging punches, creating scenes of unprecedented turmoil rarely witnessed in the Somali legislature.
Speaker Madobe attempted to restore order by calling MPs to attention individually. However, in a moment that drew swift public backlash, he made derogatory remarks about some MPs, referring to those with physical disabilities in a disparaging tone and dismissing older legislators as “senile.” The comments sparked widespread condemnation, with civil society groups and political observers decrying them as discriminatory and unbecoming of a parliamentary leader.
As tensions escalated, armed security forces were deployed inside the chamber to maintain order—a move that further heightened concerns about the militarization of legislative processes. The session was ultimately suspended after parliamentary leaders failed to bring the situation under control.
The unrest comes amid a broader power struggle within the federal parliament. More than 100 lawmakers have signed a motion to impeach Speaker Madobe, accusing him of constitutional violations, including the controversial stripping of parliamentary immunity from MP Abdirahman Mohamed Abib.
Videos recorded from the incident,that circulated on social media showed ugly scenes, while heavily armed guards stood by.
With crucial reforms at stake and continued support from international partners on the line, observers caution that escalating internal divisions may jeopardize Somalia’s fragile progress toward stability and democratic governance.
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