Somalia's President, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, said on Monday he had suspended the Prime Minister’s powers, escalating a destabilising dispute in theHorn of Africa country.
The President, who had suspended Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble before over an earlier confrontation, said in a statement he had taken the action pending an investigation of accusations the Prime Minister had acquired land fraudulently.
The government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A dispute between Mr. Mohamed and Roble has generated months of tension, which analysts say risks distracting the government from its fight against the al Qaeda-linked insurgency al Shabaab.
The suspension of Roble's powers comes a day after Mohamedand Roble accused other of holding up parliamentary elections.
Mr. Mohamed also said he had removed from office commander of marine forces, General Abdihamid Mohamed Dirir, while a similar investigation was being carried out.
General Dirir or a spokesperson for him were not immediately available for comment.