Mogadishu on edge as Somalia opposition leaders disperse across districts ahead of protests
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Opposition leaders in Somalia have reportedly positioned themselves across multiple districts of the capital, Mogadishu, ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for Sunday morning, according to local media reports. The Caasimada Online news website reported that opposition figures agreed to disperse before sunset on Saturday into districts including Abdiasis, Karan, Wartanabada, Kaxda, Daynile, […]
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MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Opposition leaders in Somalia have reportedly positioned themselves across multiple districts of the capital, Mogadishu, ahead of planned demonstrations scheduled for Sunday morning, according to local media reports.
The Caasimada Online news website reported that opposition figures agreed to disperse before sunset on Saturday into districts including Abdiasis, Karan, Wartanabada, Kaxda, Daynile, and Hodan, as part of preparations for coordinated protests against the federal government.
The planned demonstrations come amid rising political tensions between opposition leaders and the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with opposition figures accusing the administration of overseeing illegal land acquisitions and forced evictions in Mogadishu.
Opposition mobilisation in key districts
According to the same reports, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has moved to the Marinayo area in northern Mogadishu’s Abdiasis district. The location is seen as symbolically significant, as it was previously associated with political mobilisation efforts during past electoral campaigns.
Opposition sources say Mr Sharif intends to launch demonstrations from Marinayo before extending protests into surrounding northern districts, where he maintains strong political support.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has also called for public participation in the demonstrations. Speaking earlier on Saturday, he said protests would begin at 07:00 local time on Sunday and urged residents of Mogadishu to take part in what he described as a peaceful effort to demand rights over demolished properties.
He also warned that authorities would bear responsibility if protesters are harmed and cautioned security forces against political interference.
Dispute over land and displacement
The opposition says the demonstrations are aimed at protesting what they describe as widespread land grabbing and forced evictions in Mogadishu, which they claim have displaced large numbers of residents.
They allege that more than half a million people have been affected, losing homes and access to livelihoods as a result of demolitions linked to urban redevelopment and government-backed clearance operations.
Human rights groups and civil society organisations have previously raised concerns about forced evictions in the Somali capital, though the scale and legality of specific operations have often been disputed by authorities.
Government warning and security concerns
The federal government has issued warnings against the planned protests, stating that any attempt to hold demonstrations without authorisation could lead to security interventions.
Officials have cautioned that organisers and participants would be held responsible for any consequences arising from the gatherings, including potential clashes or injuries.
Security forces have also been placed on alert in parts of Mogadishu ahead of the planned demonstrations, according to local reports.
The government maintains that public order must be preserved and has previously argued that unauthorised gatherings risk destabilising the capital.
Rising political tensions
The atmosphere highlights continuing political tensions in Somalia over governance, urban development, and political space for opposition activity.
While opposition leaders insist the planned protests are peaceful and rights-based, the federal government has repeatedly expressed concern that such demonstrations could be exploited to provoke unrest.
As of now, neither side has confirmed whether a compromise or dialogue is underway to prevent escalation.
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