Somalia’s Election security handed over to African Union forces 

The presidential candidates have been informed that they will leave their security escorts at Halane’s Madina gate, where VIP cars will be ready to take them to the Afisyoni hangar under AU troops’ protection.

News Keydmedia Online
9 May 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia is set to hold its presidential election on the 15th of this month after more than one year of continued delay that put the country at risk of sliding back into the conflict.

The elections Parliamentary taskforce has today issued new procedures, stating that security for the voting venue - Afisyoni at Mogadishu airport has been handed over to the African Union troops [ATMIS].

The presidential candidates have been informed that they will leave their security escorts at Halane’s Madina gate, where VIP cars will be ready to take them to the Afisyoni hangar under AU troops’ protection.

The former presidents – Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed vying for the presidency will be allowed to accompany them two persons while three persons given to the incumbent Farmajo.

Somali police and ATMIS – African Union transzonal mission in Somalia are expected to work together in the election security. Mogadishu streets will be placed under total lockdown during election day.

Al-Shabaab poses threat to the election after attacking the parliament with mortars last month during the swearing-in of the new lawmakers and a joint session to endorse the electoral procedures.

The newly elected Somalia’s MPs from both houses - the Upper House (Senate) which has 54 members, and the Lower House with 275 will have a joint sitting to vote for the president by secret ballot on May 15.

The requirements for the candidates include his age must be 40 or older, must be a Somali Citizen, Muslim, pay the Elections fees: $40,000, proposed by a minimum of 20 MPs, and not convicted by a court of law with a high-level crime.

So far since Sunday, at least 32 candidates, including one female contender Fowsiya Yusuf Haji Adan have registered before the deadline expires on Tuesday, May 10.

KEYDMEDIA English