Hiiraan Online
Thursday February 9, 2017
The party continues as Mogadishu residents still celebrate the election of President Farmajo. HOL/ Dalmar Gure
Mogadishu (HOL) - Residents of Somalia’s capital celebrated Farmajo’s election for the second straight day with throngs of cheerful Somali’s descending on one of Mogadishu’s most famous locations.
Daljirka Dahsoon, the tomb of the unknown soldier, is arguably Mogadishu’s best-known landmark. The giant obelisk is dedicated to the countless soldiers who died in defense of the Republic. Somali’s come to Daljirka Dahsoon in protest, and in celebration; a place Abdisalan Nur said that is “one of the few places that have always belonged to the people of Mogadishu.”
You don’t have to look far to feel the optimism in Mogadishu’s streets. We took a bajaj or tuk-tuk as its known in other parts of East Africa to Daljirka Dahsoon to see the impromptu celebration for ourselves. On our way there, our bajaj driver, Osman Mohamud Farah, a gangly 23-year old student told us that this is the first time in four years that he’s driven his bajaj streets on this route. “Even though Farmajo was elected President yesterday, I can feel the change already.”
As we neared our destination, a military vehicle pulled up beside us to give civilians who were walking to the demonstration a lift. Passerbys filmed the soldiers as they helped children on to the back of their technicals, pick-up trucks fitted with an anti-aircraft gun. This friendly gesture may seem ordinary in most places, but in battle-fatigued Mogadishu, soldiers and civilians fear one another.
We arrived at Daljirka Dahsoon and saw thousands of Mogadishu resident singing and dancing all over the public square as they snapped photos to share with their friends. They greeted soldiers passing by, begging them to fire in the air; most happily obliged despite a call from the government asking soldiers to stop firing live ammunition into the air.
As we spoke to many of the supporters at the rally, it was evident that many were still enthralled at yesterday's election result.
President Farmajo, the former Prime Minister, was propelled into Somalia’s highest high office after a sweeping second round victory at Mogadishu’s airport. Millions watched the nationally televised election. Upon the announcement of the results, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made his humble exit and received a roaring ovation from Parliamentarians. Within minutes, thousands of supporters took to the streets as soldiers saluted their president with volleys of gunfire.
Asha Mohamed, one of the few elderly faces among the thousands of youth told us that she’s seen Presidents and Prime Ministers come and go in Somalia with little fanfare but today’s unprecedented turnout shocked the Mogadishu native.
“I’ve seen the worst of the war; I witnessed young boys shooting each other on this very street. Today the youth are here celebrating, and we have our President to thank.”
Mohamud Ali Hersi, a recent university graduate, told us that he found out about the Pro-Farmajo rally through videos being circulated on WhatsApp and raced down here to be a part of history.
“Today will be a day that will be written in history for Somali’s. The people’s voice was heard.” He asked us if the pictures we were taking will be seen by President Farmajo; we told him it was quite possible. “If he does, he should remember how much we (the public) love him. When he takes office, he should work hard to keep Somali’s happy.”