Senator Warns Against Military Deployment for June 4 Protest

MOGADISHU – Veteran opposition figure and senator Abdi Hassan Awale Qaybdiid has warned the Federal Government against deploying security forces during a planned opposition protest scheduled for June 4 in the capital, escalating political tensions ahead of the demonstration. The senator, who aligns himself with opposition factions that have rejected the government’s constitutional changes, accused the administration of creating a volatile atmosphere through heavy-handed security tactics and political suppression.

Qaybdiid also linked his warning to a May 10 incident, claiming that government forces attacked his residence while he and other opposition members were present. He described the operation as unlawful and politically motivated, stating that no confrontation was anticipated at that moment. “Hassan Sheikh unlawfully attacked my home, so security forces should not be deployed on June 4 since this was already agreed,” the senator said during an interview with local media.

Criticism of Term Extension

The opposition leader also issued a strong rebuke of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of overstepping his constitutional mandate and calling for political compromise to resolve disputes over Somalia’s electoral process and constitutional amendments. “The president does not hold permanent responsibility for the country. He was granted a four-year mandate, which has now expired. It is his duty to function as a Somali elder seeking solutions,” Qaybdiid said.

The dispute lies at the heart of a deep constitutional rift. President Mohamud insists that constitutional amendments passed by parliament in March 2026 extend his term to May 2027. But opposition factions, supported by the federal member states of Puntland and Jubaland, argue that the country must adhere to the 2012 provisional constitution, under which the president’s mandate expires on May 15, 2026. Somalia’s federal parliament also reached the end of its mandate on April 14. The Somali Future Council has warned that if both terms lapse without a political agreement, it will proceed to organise its own polls and establish a parallel federal administration.

Tensions Over Protest Rights

Qaybdiid’s warning comes as the opposition prepares for another round of public demonstrations, following a series of failed protests in the capital. Opposition groups had called for mass protests on May 10 over forced evictions and land disputes, but those gatherings were blocked after federal authorities deployed armoured vehicles and troops across the city. The government designated Engineer Yarisow Koonis Stadium as the approved location for any public gathering, but opposition organisers announced plans to hold protests across 22 locations, which the government said would endanger public order.

The planned June 4 protest adds to a growing list of demands from opposition figures who accuse the government of suppressing constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and public assembly. The federal government has consistently stated it respects the right to peaceful assembly but will not allow unauthorised demonstrations that could threaten public safety.

International Reaction

The United States has delivered one of its most explicit public statements against the use of force on political protesters in Somalia. US Chargé d’Affaires Justin Davis said that violence against peaceful demonstrators was “never acceptable” and called on Somali political leaders to engage in dialogue and compromise. The United Nations has also urged continued dialogue after election talks failed to reach a deal. The UN encouraged Somali leaders to continue dialogue after three days of talks ended without resolving key political disputes related to the transition process.