Friday November 29, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — A heated altercation erupted in Somalia's parliament Monday, leaving a police officer injured and raising concerns over the conduct of lawmakers as the country navigates critical electoral milestones. The officer was struck while mediating tensions among MPs debating the National Electoral Commission, an incident now under investigation.
Tensions boiled over during a parliamentary session when video footage captured a dramatic scene: lawmakers shouting near the speaker's podium and police officers blocking MPs from encroaching on the speaker's seat. The confrontation escalated when one MP was seen striking a police officer.
The clash occurred during debates over the National Electoral Commission, which has inflamed political divisions.
The injured officer, who was punched in the nose during the altercation, is recovering in stable condition at Medina Hospital. Somali Police Commissioner Asad Osman Abdullahi visited the officer, praising his professionalism and expressing solidarity.
"This officer showed exceptional bravery in a difficult situation," Commissioner Abdullahi said during his hospital visit.
Colonel Abdifitah Adan Hassan, spokesperson for the Somali Police Force, confirmed that a lawmaker has been identified as a suspect, and an investigation is ongoing.
Lawmakers, including Farhiya Muumin, have called for accountability and a resolution to prevent future incidents.
"If we rely solely on traditional methods to resolve these issues, we risk normalizing disorder in parliament and hindering the nation's progress," Muumin said during a hospital visit to the injured officer.
Senator Abduweli Ibrahim Aden Garyare commended the officer's restraint and urged fellow officers to follow his example.
"This sets a standard for professionalism under pressure," Garyare said.
Globally, parliamentary immunity serves to protect legislators from undue interference, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear. Somalia's constitution follows this principle, granting lawmakers significant legal protections.
According to Article 71 of the Somali Constitution, lawmakers cannot be prosecuted for opinions expressed or votes cast in Parliament. It further stipulates that members cannot face criminal charges, arrest, or investigation unless caught committing a crime that demands immediate judicial action.