By Xinhua,
Mogadishu : Somalia’s President Abdulahi Yusuf Ahmed Monday resigned, ending an infighting with Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein which almost brought the transitional government to the brink of collapse.
Yusuf made the announcement while addressing parliament in the southern town of Baidoa.
“As I promised when you elected me Oct 14, 2004, that I would stand down if I fail to fulfill my duty, I have decided to return the responsibility you gave me,” Yusuf said.
He said he had handed over his letter of resignation to the speaker of parliament Sheik Aden Madoobe who would take over the presidency in accordance with the transitional federal charter.
Yusuf sacked his Prime Minister Hussein Dec 14, accusing him of incompetence, embezzlement and mismanagement.
The two senior Somali leaders have been in deep disagreement over a variety of issues including the way Somali national reconciliation is being handled.
The Somali parliament, one day after the sacking of the prime minister, voted to endorse Hussein and his government, overturning Yusuf’s decision.
Rejecting the vote of parliament, Yusuf named Mohamed Mohamoud Guled Gamadere as new prime minister to replace Hussein following day.
But Gamadere resigned Wednesday saying he made the decision in view of the situation in the country.
Somali lawmakers tabled a motion days ago, seeking to impeach the Somali president who they accused of “violating the national charter” and alienating some of Somalia’s communities.