Somali PM resigns in deadlock with president

Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke resigned Tuesday to prevent what he called political turmoil after reaching deadlock with the country's president. Sharmarke stood next to President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed as he announced his decision to reporters in Mogadishu.

Reuters

Ahmed thanked Sharmarke for what he called a "courageous decision". Sharmarke and Ahmed have been arguing for months over a new draft constitution. A vote of confidence on the prime minister had been scheduled over the weekend, though it was postponed.

"After considering the political crisis in the government and increasing insecurity in Somalia, I have decided to resign from my post as prime minister," said Sharmarke.

Ahmed said the resignation was historic because the impasse was settled among Somalis instead of seeking outside intervention.

Somalia's Transitional Federal Government controls only a few blocks of Mogadishu.