Former Mogadishu mayor dismisses govt. ban on protests

Mogadishu’s former mayor and  a presidential candidate for 2016 elections, Mohamed Ahmed Nuur Tarzan has accused the government of imposing ban on peaceful political protest rallies and vowed to defy the move.

“The purported ban by the Mogadishu local government is null and void and we will simply ignore that illegal ban and continue with our peaceful demonstrations,” said Tarzan

He said that the constitution provides for peaceful demonstrations and picketing in what is an apparent response to the announcement made by by spokesperson of Banadir region Abdifatah Halane.

“The right and freedom of peaceful assembly; the constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble and demonstrate,” noted the former mayor.

His words come days after Authorities in Somalia’s capital city, Mogadishu have prohibited political protest rallies without the legal permission from the mayor’s office.

Abdifatah Halane said demonstrations by the members of the opposition political parties will not be allowed take place in Mogadishu.

“Failure to abide by the decision of the administration, Mogadishu local government will take legal action against  violators,” said Halane.

Coalition Of Political Parties have called on president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to hand over the power after the end of the four years mandated time.