Somalia's emboldened president will remain embattled
Significance President Mohammed Abdullahi ‘Farmajo’ appears emboldened after facing down a series of domestic political crises, including allegations of interference in the South-west state election and a proposed impeachment motion, which was shelved on December 20 following backroom discussions with parliamentary speaker Mohamed Mursal. Impacts Farmajo will feel emboldened against future impeachment efforts, but victory may prove hollow as centre-periphery relations deteriorate. After a rocky period, Farmajo’s relations with Mursal should improve, and Farmajo may hope this will help blunt parliamentary criticism. Mursal will face a challenge in maintaining discipline among his deputies and colleagues, who are prone to abusing legislative protocol.