Somalia Opposition set to defy ban with rally in Mogadishu

The chairman of the opposition candidate’s alliance Sheikh Sharif, who served as the seventh president of Somalia [2009-2012], urged their supporters to “take part in the protests” until their demands are met.

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Somalia Opposition set to defy ban with rally in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The opposition candidates in Somalia are planning to defy a government ban on gatherings in Mogadishu and hold a demonstration in the capital city on Friday, February 19.

The council of the presidential candidates comprising of 14, including former presidents, PM, and heavyweight politicians visited Daljirka Dahson square on Thursday afternoon under tight security ahead of the demo. 

The chairman of the opposition candidate’s alliance Sheikh Sharif, who served as the seventh president of Somalia [2009-2012], urged their supporters to “take part in the protests” until their demands are met.

“We are going to hold a peaceful demonstration to call for timely elections and boost the governance system. I call on the security forces not to interrupt the planned rally,” said the former leader.

Friday’s anticipated anti-government protest comes amid escalating political tension in Somalia over the delayed elections and the outgoing president’s lack of willingness to transfer the power smoothly.

On Wednesday, the government announced it banned all public gatherings and closure educational centers in the country, citing the re-emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The opposition has called on Farmajo to vacate the presidential palace as his term officially ended on February 8 of this year with no constitutional mandate to rule the country.

KON English News Desk

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