Federal Government Says It Acted To Safeguard Order As Opposition Protest Plan Collapses In Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal government of Somalia has said it had taken lawful and preventive measures to protect public order in Mogadishu after a planned opposition demonstration failed to proceed, stressing its continued commitment to constitutional rights and stability.

In a statement, the government reaffirmed that it fully respects the right to peaceful assembly and political expression, but said such activities must be conducted in an orderly manner that does not endanger civilians or disrupt essential services.

Officials said they had designated Engineer Yarisow Koonis Stadium as the approved venue for any public gathering in order to facilitate a controlled and peaceful demonstration. However, they said opposition organisers instead announced plans for multiple protest sites across 22 locations in the capital, which they described as a move that risked undermining security and normal city operations.

The government said security assessments indicated that dispersing demonstrations across the city could have increased the risk of disorder and placed pressure on security forces, public infrastructure and civilian movement. It added that the measures taken were preventive and aimed at ensuring the capital remained stable.

Officials also expressed concern over reports of armed elements linked to opposition mobilization efforts in some areas, warning that any presence of weapons in civilian spaces would not be tolerated and would be met with appropriate legal action.

The administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has consistently said it will protect democratic space while ensuring that political activity does not lead to violence or paralysis of the capital. It reiterated that Somalia’s ongoing political processes must remain within constitutional and institutional frameworks.

Former president Shariif Sheekh Axmed said earlier that organisers had initially been allowed to use Koonis Stadium but were later denied access, forcing the cancellation of the planned rally. Government officials did not directly respond to the claim but maintained that all decisions were guided by security considerations.

The government urged political leaders to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and engage through lawful channels, saying national stability and public safety remain the overriding priorities.

Mogadishu was reported calm on Sunday, with security forces maintaining a visible but restrained presence across key parts of the city.