Saturday September 27, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s opposition on Thursday postponed
a planned demonstration in Mogadishu after mediation by clan elders and
lawmakers eased tensions that had raised fears of violence in the capital.
The protest, organized by the opposition Salvation Forum and
originally scheduled for Saturday, was delayed for one week following talks led
by the Imam, the Mudullood Chief, and a Hawiye parliamentary committee. Former
President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a leading opposition figure, took part in the
discussions.
In a joint press conference on Friday night, the mediators
and opposition leaders said demonstrations were a constitutional right and
agreed that the protest will be held within nine days. Both sides pledged to
work together on the logistics — including the time and location — to ensure it
proceeds peacefully under government protection.
The deal helped defuse fears among Mogadishu residents that
the protest could turn violent. Concerns had grown after armed guards for
opposition politicians clashed with federal forces earlier this week outside
Warta Nabada District Police Station. Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre condemned
that incident as a “failed coup attempt” and vowed security forces would
confront anyone threatening public safety.
Government officials told mediators they support freedom of
assembly but stressed the need for coordination to guarantee security.
Authorities also banned the deployment of troops, military vehicles or heavy
weapons at demonstrations.
The opposition says the protests will denounce what it calls
illegal land seizures and appropriation of public property in Mogadishu,
including civic centers and markets.