UN Tells Somalia to Quit Paying for Votes

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Nov 3, 2014

The U.N.’s representative in Somalia says he is concerned bribes are being paid to parliamentarians to vote to oust the prime minister. Somalia’s president, a political rival, had a quick reply that could be summed up in two words: Butt out.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Monday that while he appreciates the U.N.’s concern, he called for the international community to respect Somalia’s right to determine its own future and allow Somali leaders to resolve differences themselves.

The U.N. representative, Nicholas Kay, said Sunday he is concerned over allegations that parliamentarians are being paid to vote to oust the prime minister in a “no confidence” motion.

Mohamud last month refused to accept a Cabinet reshuffle carried out by the prime minster. Somalia’s recent governments have a history of feuding leaders.