Farmaajo condemns government for restricting protest rights in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU: Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has accused the federal government of attempting to restrict and suppress planned demonstrations in Mogadishu, warning that preventing peaceful assemblies could violate citizens’ constitutional rights. His comments came amid an ongoing dispute between opposition figures and government officials over where protests may be held in the capital. Security authorities have instructed protesters to gather at Koonis Stadium, while opposition parties demand the right to assemble in multiple Mogadishu neighbourhoods, particularly those affected by demolitions and land disputes.

The proposed demonstrations reflect rising public anger over forced evictions, alleged corruption, political favouritism, and contested land rights in the capital. Opposition representatives have accused the administration of ejecting residents without proper legal procedures. Federal and Banadir regional authorities maintain that the demolitions are necessary to reclaim public property and advance urban development. Forced land evictions have escalated into a major political confrontation, with previous government-led demolition operations sparking armed clashes between rival security factions. Heavy fighting recently broke out in the Warlaliska area of the Daynile district, resulting in multiple casualties and intensifying public anger.

In a formal statement, Farmaajo said: “I stand with those calling upon Somali authorities and the departing administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose tenure is approaching its end, to avoid any measures aimed at silencing Somali citizens who are peacefully expressing the severe hardships they have endured during his governance.” Farmaajo described the demonstrations as a non‑violent expression of public concerns over governance and leadership. He called on security forces to protect the safety and dignity of citizens rather than implement orders that, he said, contradict Somalia’s constitution and legal framework. He also warned that efforts to block or excessively regulate the protests could lead to confrontations, undermine trust in security institutions, and endanger national stability.

The opposition has rejected the government‑approved protest location and insists on holding demonstrations in several districts of the Banadir region. Opposition representatives have appointed officials to monitor and coordinate protests in various parts of Mogadishu. The opposition coalition also announced that it has formed independent security units to protect politicians and civilians taking part in the demonstrations. That development has heightened concerns among residents that the gatherings could escalate into clashes between government security forces and opposition‑affiliated supporters. Opposition leaders had previously confirmed they would proceed with protests despite federal objections, and the Somali Future Council has warned of a deepening political crisis as the president’s term nears its end.

The standoff over protest locations follows a volatile weekend during which a planned opposition demonstration on May 10 failed to materialise after the government imposed a heavy security lockdown. The federal government stated it had designated Koonis Stadium as an approved venue, but opposition organisers planned to hold rallies across 22 locations, which authorities said would have endangered public order. The government has consistently said it respects the right to peaceful assembly but will not allow unauthorised demonstrations that could threaten stability. The United States issued one of its most explicit public statements against the use of force on political protesters, with the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires saying violence against peaceful demonstrators was “never acceptable”.

With President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term scheduled to expire on May 15, political tensions remain high. Opposition leaders have declared that the president will lose his legal authority after that date unless national elections are held or a constitutional alternative is agreed upon. Senior government officials have suggested that the administration could remain in power for up to two additional years, a position the opposition has rejected. Farmaajo has previously urged the president to create an inclusive electoral framework before the term ends, warning that a lack of consensus could trigger further instability. The opposition has called for another demonstration on May 16, the first full day after the president’s term expires, raising the prospect of renewed confrontation in the capital.