Authorities Warn Against Disorder as Opposition Plans Sunday Protest.
MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has announced that public demonstrations organized by opposition politicians in Mogadishu will only be permitted at the Eng. Yarisow football stadium, amid heightened security concerns ahead of planned protests on Sunday.
Banadir regional governor and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Mungaab), said authorities would not tolerate unrest or security disturbances during the demonstrations and emphasized that all government procedures must be followed.
“I agree to hold the demonstration at Engineer Yarisow stadium, and the government will ensure security. No one can create chaos,” Mungaab told reporters.
Somalia’s Minister of Security, Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag, also warned against any actions that could undermine security in the capital.
“The government does not accept that security in the capital, Mogadishu, is violated, and whoever holds a demonstration must follow the instructions given by the governor of the Banadir region,” the minister said.
Opposition politicians have announced plans to stage a public demonstration beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday in Mogadishu. Protest organizers say the rally is intended to oppose alleged land seizures, house demolitions, and the increasing use of bulldozers in parts of the capital.
The planned demonstration comes amid growing political tensions and public concern over urban development policies and displacement issues in Mogadishu. Authorities have not indicated whether additional security measures will be introduced during the protest.
