MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s opposition has postponed a major protest that was scheduled to take place in the capital, Mogadishu, on Saturday, in response to heightened political tensions, a heavy security presence, and increasing fears of violent clashes.
The decision came after pressure from prominent clan elders, business leaders, and intellectuals, who urged the opposition to delay the demonstration in hopes of preventing unrest. The protest was intended to condemn the government’s continued forced evictions of residents, alleged land grabbing, and suppression of dissent.
Opposition leaders have indicated that the demonstration will be rescheduled for a date nine days later, with the expectation that the government will allow peaceful protest to proceed without interference. The opposition maintains that public demonstrations are a constitutional right and should become a normalized part of civic life in Somalia.
The postponement follows a tense week in Mogadishu, marked by the deployment of large numbers of security forces and military vehicles throughout the city. The government had previously declared that no protest would be allowed and warned of a crackdown on anyone taking part in unauthorized gatherings.
Earlier this week, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and other senior opposition figures were fired upon by security forces while visiting a police station in Wardhigley district. The leaders had gone there to advocate for the release of an elderly man allegedly beaten and detained by security personnel. The encounter turned violent, resulting in the death of one of the opposition leaders’ bodyguards, as well as several civilian casualties and multiple injuries.
The opposition has described the incident as an assassination attempt, while Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre accused the opposition of attempting a failed coup. The conflicting narratives have deepened the political divide and further inflamed public concern.
In recent weeks, Mogadishu has been the scene of widespread forced evictions and demolitions, particularly in neighborhoods located on public land. The government claims the land is being cleared of informal settlements, but residents and opposition figures allege that the properties have been sold to business allies of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In some cases, privately owned plots with official documentation have also reportedly been targeted, drawing criticism from civil society groups.
The situation has triggered waves of public anger and protests, while security forces have responded with arrests and force in some instances. Analysts warn that the escalating crackdown risks undermining democratic freedoms and fueling instability.
As the city remains on edge, attention now turns to whether the government will permit the rescheduled demonstration to take place peacefully, and whether dialogue can be re-established between authorities and the opposition to ease the mounting political crisis.
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