Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Saturday accused the federal government of attempting to restrict and suppress planned protests in Mogadishu, warning that limitations on peaceful demonstrations could infringe upon citizens’ constitutional rights.
Farmaajo’s statement came as opposition leaders and the government continued to disagree over the location for Sunday’s protest. Authorities have directed demonstrators to assemble at Konis Stadium, while opposition figures assert that rallies should occur throughout Mogadishu, including in neighborhoods impacted by demolitions and land disputes.
The planned protest focuses on public outrage regarding forced evictions, alleged corruption, political bias and contested land ownership in the capital. Opposition leaders have charged the government with displacing residents without proper legal procedures, while federal and Banadir regional officials have stated that demolitions are necessary to recover public land and enhance urban planning.
‘I align with the requests of Somali authorities that the outgoing government of President Hassan Sheikh, whose term is concluding, refrain from any measures to suppress Somali citizens who are peacefully demonstrating to convey the significant hardships they have endured under his leadership,’ Farmaajo stated.
Farmaajo described the demonstrations as a peaceful manifestation of public grievances concerning governance and leadership. He urged security agencies to safeguard the safety and dignity of citizens rather than implement orders he characterized as conflicting with Somalia’s constitution and laws.
He cautioned that efforts to prevent or strictly regulate the protests might result in clashes, erode public confidence in security forces and jeopardize the nation’s stability.
The opposition has dismissed the government’s designated protest location and announced that demonstrations will occur in multiple districts of the Banadir region. Opposition leaders have also designated politicians to lead protests in various areas of Mogadishu.
The group indicated it has organized its own security teams to protect politicians and civilians participating in the demonstrations. This announcement has intensified concerns among residents, many of whom worry the protest could escalate into a confrontation between government forces and opposition-affiliated groups.
Public anxiety has increased throughout Mogadishu prior to the protest, as residents fear that conflicting security measures, political rhetoric and unsettled land disputes could provoke armed confrontations.
The confrontation has emerged as a significant challenge for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, which is already confronting pressure from opposition factions regarding constitutional amendments, the electoral process and land policies in the capital.
Somalia’s opposition has characterized the protest as a defense of displaced families and property rights. The government asserts it supports peaceful assembly but maintains that protests must be controlled to preserve public order, commercial activities and security in Mogadishu.