Somalia

President resigns

Article published on the 2008-12-29 Latest update 2008-12-29 14:01 TU

Abdullahi Yusuf
(Photo: Reuters)

Somalia's President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed resigned on Monday after a bitter power struggle, adding to political uncertainty in the country. The 74-year-old former warlord was elected in 2004 and had been embroiled in in-fighting over the past few months. He blamed the international community for failing to deliver promised aid.

Ahmed claimed that the lack of aid meant that the government had been unable to pay salaries or the army.

"Then the army disintegrated, unable to fight the extremists," Ahmed told Parliament.

Ahmed has been in dispute with Prime Minister Nur Hassan and eventually fired him two weeks ago, replacing him with a little-known lawmaker, who resigned last week.

"I had promised to return the power if I could not bring peace, stability and democracy where people can elect their leader," Yusuf told MPs.

Government spokesperson Abdi Goddon spoke to RFI after the announcement. He said that the parliament and government officials had been waiting for the president's resignation.

"He was an obstacle to peace in Somalia," said Goddon, saying that President Yusuf's resignation was a good thing. "This is showing the democracy of Somalia. He failed [to implement] all the programs during these four years."

Goddon said that the Somali people were "very happy."

Goddon said that the president of the parliament will assume the role of president for the next 30 days. During that time, parliament must elect a president.