Tension builds up in Mogadishu as Farmaajo illegally holds on to power

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Unease is building up in Mogadishu as protests, roadblocks, troops movements and relocation of opposition politicians to different places become a common feature following an illegal extension of the outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo’s term.

The situation worsened from last Wednesday when federal forces massed for a clash with immediate former Banaadir regional police boss Sadak John who had pitched camp at Shirkole area near the defence headquarters in Mogadishu’s Hodan district.

The showdown was however avoided following the intervention of Galmudug president Ahmed Qoorqoor who convinced Farmaajo against the move. It is then that the troops moved back and two days later Sadak John moved to the airport area.

Opposition lawmakers among them Mahad Salad and Abdirahman Odowaa told journalists Friday night Sadak John was forced to return to his base owing to ‘security risks’. Security Minister Hassan Hundubey emerged Friday night to dispel ‘claims’ of a planned attack against the former police chief.

“The government calls on those who are exaggerating the attack on Sadaq John to give up and realize that the government has no plans to take any action,” Hundubey told journalists.

Hundreds of soldiers have been deployed in the city especially within the parliament and Villa Somalia area.

Trenches have been dug on roads leading to Shirkole area where Sadak John’s militias are based.

Meanwhile, opposition presidential candidates most of whom were based near the airport area have relocated. Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud moved from Jazeera Hotel area to Karaan district.