Correction of typo in 1st paragraph

Feisal Ommar, Abdi Sheikh

MOGADISHU (Reuters] -Somalia’s President said Monday that he had suspended his prime minister because of suspected corruption. It was part of a power struggle to distract the government from the Islamist Insurgency.

According to Abdirahman Yusuf Ola Adala, the act was an indirect coup by President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

Mohammed Hussein Roble the Prime Minister was not available immediately for comment. Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu the spokesperson of Government said that President Trump’s decision was illegal and Roble will continue to perform his duties.

U.S. Embassy in Horn of Africa urged both sides to de-escalate.

“We strongly urge Somalia’s leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in Mogadishu, refrain from provocative actions and avoid violence,” it said on Twitter (NYSE:).

Mohamed charged Roble with taking land belonging to the Somali National Army, and interfering in a defense ministry investigation.

This is just the latest episode in a lengthy dispute between these two leaders, which analysts believe serves as a distraction to the government’s efforts to fight al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab.

Mohamed said that Mohamed had also removed General Abdihamid Mohamed Dirir from his position as commander of Marine Forces, while another investigation was underway.

Dirir could not be reached immediately for comment.

Adala, the Assistant Information Minister said that Roble could still perform his duties despite having security officers around him.

He stated that “What’s going on in the morning is an indirect coup, but it won’t win”, on Facebook (NASDAQ).

Roble and Mohamed both accused each other Sunday of preventing parliamentary elections from taking place in a nation ravaged by terrorist attacks and clan rivalries. Late Sunday, the United States demanded a prompt and credible conclusion to these elections.

Mohamed suspended Roble’s ability to fire or hire employees in September. This was in response to a conflict that had been brewing for several months over the investigation into a murder.

First, Roble and Mohamed clashed when Roble unilaterally extended his 4-year term for two more years in April. This prompted loyal army factions to take control of rival posts in Mogadishu, the capital.

Roble was appointed by the president to oversee security arrangements and organize delayed presidential and legislative elections. The presidential term extension was rescinded by parliament.