Somalia's opposition allowed to hold anti-govt protests in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Council of Presidential Candidates in Somalia has been allowed to carry on with Saturday's protests, following an agreement between the government and 15 candidates last week, in a move that could give a right path to the much-anticipated elections.

Initially, a rally that was held by the opposition was disrupted by government troops in the streets of Mogadishu, with reports indicating that soldiers opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the death and injuries of dozens of civilians, in an incident that was widely condemned by stakeholders.

But Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble acting on behalf of the government agreed to have a Commission of Enquiry over the incident, adding that perpetrators will be dealt with the full force of the law, given that the civilians were exercising their rights.

Also, a Demonstrations Committee was formed whose main duty is to ensure logistics are put in place to allow peaceful protests. It's not clear if the committee was involved in organizing the protests which have been scheduled for Saturday.

In a letter dispatched by the government, the opposition will now hold protests at Daljirka Dahson in Mogadishu after a dispute over moving the venue to Eng Yarisow stadium. The protesters should wear a facemask and social distancing must be applied.

The current administration's tenure expired on February 8 but efforts to conduct elections have not borne fruits as both parties keep on blaming each other. The government has been accused of among others, failing to implement September pre-election deal that was signed last year.

Also, the government is dealing with claims that it may have imposed friendly electoral officials, mostly civil servants and agents of the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA].

But outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo whose term in office ended Feb 8 has often dismissed the claims, arguing that he's ready to hold free and fair elections.

GAROWE ONLINE