Somali officials resign amid tensions

Somalia’s prime minister and speaker of parliament have handed over their resignation to the president amid a widening drift in the fragile government.

Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharma’arke and Parliament Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohammed Nur Madobe announced their decision in Mogadishu on Monday, a Press TV correspondent reported.

The two officials said they have stepped down in order to save the UN-backed government from collapse.

The developments came after senior government officials accused each other of being responsible for the continuing chaos in Somalia.

President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed has hinted that he would soon appoint new people to the positions.

Sharif came to power in January 2007 and pledged to create a government of national unity. He, however, has struggled with serious security challenges and threats from militants within the country.

Mogadishu has been the scene of daily battles between government forces and local fighters — both trying to take control of the capital, while the rest of the country is mostly controlled by anti-government forces.

Somalia has not had a functioning government since warlords toppled President Siad Barre in 1991.