Jubaland slams use of excessive force against peaceful protesters

KISMAYO, Somalia – Jubaland state of Somalia says it condemns the Government’s resorting to excessive force in violently dispersing a peaceful demonstration in Mogadishu on Friday, February 19.

In a statement by the office of the president, Jubaland expressed deep concerns regarding the incidents unfolding in the Somali capital after Somali forces clashed with soldiers loyal to the opposition candidates.

The use of the armed forces during peaceful protests over the delayed elections shows a deteriorating situation of the rule of law and rights to freedom of expression in the conflict-hit Horn of Africa country.

“Jubaland condemns the violence meted out by the Somali Government against unarmed civilians and the illegal use of the Armed Forces,” reads the statement obtained by Garowe Online in part.

Somali troops opened fire on hundreds of people marching through the streets in Mogadishu on Friday morning to express their discontent with the outgoing president Farmajo’s bid to stay in office illegally.

In defiance of the army fire and government ban on public gatherings, the protests led by candidates, including former immediate PM Hassan Ali Khaire, ex-presidents, and Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

Friday's clashes forced aviation officials at the airport to suspend flight operations after several mortar shells landed at the gate of the heavily protected seaside facility.

U.S. Embassy in Somalia, citing unconfirmed reports announced that as many as 20 people killed/injured in the violence over the lack of inclusive election process.

Jubaland considers it unfortunate that the national army, which is basically trained to fight the enemy, such as Al-Shabaab is being used to harass unarmed civilians expressing their views in a peaceful rally.

The government forces also attacked a hotel in the city, hosting former presidents Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Thursday night, leading to a heavy gunfight with the security guards.

“The heinous act in Mogadishu by Somali troops is a blow to efforts to resolve the current political crisis in the country,” said Jubaland, calling on the government to protect the constitutional rights of citizens.

Finally, the southern Somali Federal State led by Ahmed Madobe who has been at loggerheads with Farmajo for years urged authorities to work on a peaceful political solution to the ongoing standoff.

GAROWE ONLINE