The opposition protest scheduled for today in Mogadishu in Daljirka Dahsoon Square, a popular place for rallies, has been postponed.
Opposition groups and the federal government have been at loggerheads over technical issues. A meeting between Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and opposition candidates in Mogadishu last night ended in failure.
The two sides blamed each other for the rift.
One of the reasons for the disagreement was who should provide security, although the opposition claimed to have left it to the government.
What did the opposition candidates say?
At a press conference in Mogadishu this afternoon, some opposition candidates – including former Somali presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed – said they had canceled Saturday’s planned rally after an alleged government security forces attack.
Speaking at a press conference, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said: “After a long debate, we and the government have agreed to hold a demonstration. They have agreed. While it is here, we have handed over security and we are in our normal arrangements.” “Today you are aware that the Daljir Dahsoon Square is closed. Not only the Square but the whole city is closed.”
He accused the government of turning Mogadishu into “a military base” and “secret checkpoint” to prevent protesters to express their opposition.
“From number four to the north of Mogadishu, the end of the city is closed. Troops have been deployed and the streets have been closed. Many soldiers have been detained and a military base has been turned into a staging ground for the demonstration,” Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also announced that they have canceled the expected protests and will announce the date of another demonstration.
He added that they will ensure the safety of the protesters.
“The candidates’ forum has decided to postpone the protests and work at a time when the candidates are coming and they are providing security. We thank the organizers, supporters and the Somali people for their efforts and perseverance.” Said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
It is the second time he has called off a rally announced by the opposition, while a riot has turned into a rally by some party leaders.
Meanwhile, the federal government said it welcomed the opposition’s decision to cancel the planned protest.
Somali security minister Hassan Xundubey Jimale said the government initially wanted the protests to take place.
“The government, considering its health and security risks, was initially of the opinion that there was no need for protests, and that the forces and animals we were protesting needed to be put on oxygen to buy them. Our brothers announced today that they were protesting. “We are very, very welcome,” he said.
In a press conference, the Minister of Security said that initially there was a misunderstanding of a proposal by opposition leaders to take over security at the protest site.
“The government has allowed candidates to protest at the Invisible Ambassador. When it came to technical issues and the holding of the protests, they insisted on saying ‘we must take over the security of the venue’, and that was difficult for the government, because the government was responsible for what happens there, “he said.
Asked about the troops who allegedly surrounded the Daljirka Dahsoon, Minister Xundubey replied: “The troops you are talking about, since there will be a protest rally tomorrow, are obliged to maintain security today, and it is their duty.”
