Somalia opposition postpones Friday's anti-govt rally after talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After an hours-long meeting at a hotel in Mogadishu Thursday, opposition candidates and PM Roble announced a six-point deal on the February 19 incident and a new rally scheduled for Friday.

The meeting was attended by several leading candidates, among them former president Hassan Sheikh and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Galmudug leaders and HirShabelle Qoor-Qoor and Gudlawe respectively.

According to the statement, the government has apologized for the attack on former leaders and pro-opposition protesters last Friday in Mogadishu which sparked deadly violence that killed at least five.

The government has given the opposition a chance to hold peaceful demonstrations within 10 days, postponing Friday’s mass anti-Farmajo protest at Daljirka Dahson in the capital.

“Pleased to address today [Thursday] the issues on Feb 19 incidents, security, and elections. Thanks to the Union of Candidates for their flexibility,” Roble tweeted.

The council of the presidential candidates early demanded the outgoing president Farmajo must resign, citing he failed to conduct timely, credible, and peaceful elections in Somalia at the end of his mandate.

The agreement came amid fears of more clashes in the city that could result from the planned opposition demonstration over the delayed election and Farmajo’s attempt to stay in office without a mandate.

GAROWE ONLINE