Somalia’s main opposition bloc announced Monday it will hold another anti-government protest in Mogadishu on May 16, accusing federal authorities of obstructing an earlier demonstration and using security forces to suppress dissent.
The Somali Salvation Forum stated it would continue what it called a “peaceful struggle” against forced displacement, land seizures and abuse of power by the federal government.
In a statement, the forum said the planned protest was constitutional and that security agencies had been formally notified of the time and location to help ensure public safety and orderly movement of participants.
The opposition indicated the government had initially demanded the protest be held at Engineer Yarisow Ex-Konis Stadium. The forum said opposition leaders accepted the designated venue to avoid a security crisis.
However, the statement accused authorities of later deploying military, police and intelligence forces across Mogadishu, closing major roads and restricting pedestrian and vehicle movement.
The forum claimed the security measures disrupted daily life in the capital, affecting transport, schools, businesses and other public services.
It also accused security forces of opening fire on protesters in Dayniile district, stating one person was killed and two others were wounded. The forum expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
The federal government has not yet responded to the opposition’s latest allegations.
The forum urged authorities to release young people and others arrested in connection with the protests. It also called for an end to intimidation targeting opposition politicians, journalists and civil rights activists.
The planned May 16 protest is expected to intensify an already tense standoff between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government and opposition leaders over demolitions, forced evictions and disputed land ownership in Mogadishu.
Opposition groups accuse the government of displacing residents without adequate legal process, compensation or justification. Federal and Banadir regional authorities have defended some demolition operations as necessary to reclaim public land, improve urban planning and maintain order in the capital.