Somalia: Mogadishu protests for representation in Upper House

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Hundreds of banner-waving residents marched through Mogadishu, demanding representation in the forthcoming Upper House on Thursday, Garowe Online reports. 

Federal lawmakers, politicians and Banadir regional administration officials were pictured walking next to the crowds on their political protest that stretched from Daljirka Dahsoon Square to Parliament House.  

Critiwcs say, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had orchestrated the rally on the eve of a visit by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegates as part of apparent politically-motivated twists ahead of 2016 polls.  

The protesters shouted slogans in favor of Banadir communities whom they said, were stripped of seats in the country’s Upper House during latest deliberations at a series of leadership forums in Garowe, Kismayo and Mogadishu.  

Banners read: “Hamar [Mogadishu] deserves respect, anti-Banadir figures are not wanted here, and we demand our rights,” amongst others. Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hasan Jimale claimed that he would be in a major drive for millions to have their political grievances addressed in the coming meetings. 

Irritated by lack of representation, a federal MP hit the airwaves and pledged to fight for the demands of Banaadiris, residents of Mogadishu.  

The protests not seen “spontaneous” come amid fresh hurdles over the country’s electoral transition later this year.  

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking second term in office under a model, UN envoy called “a midway point between the election of 2012, when only 135 electors selected 275 Members of Parliament and 2020, when all Somalis will have a say.”       

A 26-member select committee suggested that the Upper House be scrapped earlier this week, exposing major sticking point.  

Somalia held first-ever presidential election on its own since the state collapse, in September 2012.

GAROWEONLINE