Somalia: Soldiers Seen Guarding Opposition Leaders to Face Disciplinary Action – Gov’t

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia is set to punish soldiers caught on camera escorting opposition leaders within Mogadishu, Saturday, in what authorities term as 'indiscipline' given that it goes against the code of conduct.

The soldiers, drawn from multi-agency security teams, were sighted with armored personnel vehicles which were mounted with anti-aircraft guns, but the state insists they must be held accountable for their 'annoying actions'.

Omar Abdi Ali, the State Minister for Defence, said Mogadishu remains secure but warned against groups patrolling the city with heavy weapons without authorisation by various security commands.

According to him, security personnel on the government payroll are prohibited from protecting opposition figures, adding that those who do so will be removed from their positions. The government does not provide security for opposition politicians.

There are reports that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has since reached out to opposition leaders and could be meeting them following pressure from members of the international community. The team wants Somali politicians to solve their political differences.

The caution follows a recent incident in which opposition leaders were seen traveling in a convoy of nearly a dozen armed vehicles through the busy KM4 junction en route to Moalim Nur Zawiye—a location used by the opposition for rallies and meetings during the disputed 2021 elections, which at the time led to violent clashes.

It is not clear if the opposition leaders have agreed to meet President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has been blamed for forcing constitutional changes without due process. The government of Somalia is running against time to solve internal conflicts, which have significantly affected the al-Shabaab war.

In other jurisdictions, senior politicians are accorded state security, with those from growing democracies often facing withdrawals whenever such leaders clash with the government. Somalia is on the path to renaissance after years of civil war.

GAROWE ONLINE