Somali Opposition Bloc Calls for Major Protest in Mogadishu on May 16

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s main opposition coalition, the Somali Future Council, announced plans for a major protest in Mogadishu on May 16, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the federal government of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and political repression.

In a statement issued from Mogadishu, the opposition group condemned what it described as government efforts to block a peaceful demonstration organized by forum members a day earlier in the capital.

“The Somali Salvation Forum strongly condemns the actions taken by the outgoing president to obstruct the peaceful protest organized yesterday by members of the forum in Mogadishu,” the statement said.

The opposition accused the government of using security forces, intimidation, and political pressure against critics, while also claiming that President Hassan Sheikh’s constitutional term would effectively expire on May 16.

The forum said the newly announced protest would be peaceful and aimed at expressing the opposition’s political views. It called on residents of Mogadishu and supporters across Somalia to take part in the demonstration.

The announcement comes amid rising political tensions in Somalia over disputed land demolitions, forced evictions, and disagreements surrounding the country’s electoral process and governance.

The federal government has not immediately responded to the opposition’s latest accusations.

GAROWE ONLINE