Major roads in Mogadishu ahead of parliament meeting

KON’s correspondent in the capital reported a heavy presence of army on the major roads with security forces barring public transport in an attempt to block the opposition lawmakers from the meeting.

News Keydmedia Online
12 April 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The main streets in the Somali capital Mogadishu have been locked down on Monday morning ahead of a key parliament session on the country’s election crisis.

The Federal government of Somalia has deployed police and Turkish-trained Gorgor forces near the entrance of the parliament, setting up a number of checkpoints around Villa Somalia.

KON’s correspondent in the capital reported a heavy presence of army on the major roads with security forces barring public transport in an attempt to block the opposition lawmakers from the meeting.

This came a week after the House has suspended 15 MPs who were accused of creating chaos in the parliament after reports of illegal term extension motion plotted by Villa Somalia.

The Somali government has not commented on the deployment of the forces. However, there are fears that pro-Farmajo legislators could approve a vote to extend the term of the President.

The development comes after electoral talks between the federal government and the Federal states ended without a result following a deadlock over some points in the agenda.

The International community is making efforts to convince the rival sides to come together and resolve the contentious electoral issues through Somali-led inclusive dialogue. 

KEYDMEDIA English