​Somalia: Mogadishu on lockdown ahead of President Farmajo's Inauguration

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The capital city pf Mogadishu is under security lockdown on Tuesday, with roads closed ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the new President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

The curfew was announced on Monday by the Benadir regional administration officials who said the drastic security measure is in place to prevent any possible attacks from Al Shabaab during the inauguration event.

On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of Somali government soldiers, officers, and other security personnel have been deployed to patrol the main streets, and enforce the 24-hour curfew imposed on the capital.

Authorities are also shutting down local air traffic ahead of the inauguration. Somalia’s Civil Aviation Ministry announced last week that all flights to Aden Adde International Airport would be suspended.

The Somali government has assured that the flights would resume on Thursday, February 23.

Fears are high that the Al-Qaida linked Shabaab group will seek to disrupt the inauguration by carrying out an attack on the capital. A deadly car bomb at a crowded market left at least 40 dead on Sunday.

Leaders and dignitaries from East Africa ccountrie are expected to attend the inauguration of the 9th Somali President Farmajo, who was elected by lawmakers in Mogadishu in February 8.

GAROWEONLINE