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Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has firmly warned opposition politicians that public protests will not be allowed in Mogadishu, saying such actions could disrupt the city’s peace and security. Speaking to reporters in the capital on Tuesday, Fiqi accused some members of the opposition of taking money from outside sources to organize demonstrations aimed at destabilizing the government. He said the government will not permit anyone to mobilize citizens for what he called “political purposes” that risk public safety.
“These elders who are now shouting are the same ones who were once banned from flights and attacked in hotels,” Fiqi said. “When have you ever seen them bring meaningful change? We can allow them to hold their banners, but we will not allow them to take people out to the streets.”
The minister went further, describing some opposition politicians as “political extremists” who are only interested in causing unrest. According to Fiqi, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has already met with opposition leaders five times and addressed most of their demands. He argued that despite these discussions, some opposition members continue to stir up the public for personal or financial gain.
“The opposition has no real political agenda other than trying to mobilize the poor by giving them small amounts of money, like five dollars, to join protests or cause trouble,” Fiqi claimed. He accused these groups of exploiting vulnerable citizens instead of engaging in constructive dialogue to solve the country’s challenges.
Fiqi’s comments come amid rising political tensions in Mogadishu. Both the government and opposition groups had earlier agreed to delay planned demonstrations due to security concerns after a recent attack on the Godka Jilacow detention facility — one of the city’s most heavily guarded prisons. The attack raised fears of further instability and prompted authorities to tighten security across the capital.
While the government insists that the ban on protests is meant to protect civilians and maintain order, opposition leaders argue that it is a move to silence dissent and restrict citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly. They maintain that their planned demonstrations are not meant to cause chaos but to demand accountability and transparency from the government.
Despite the postponement, several opposition figures have vowed that protests will still take place in the coming days, insisting that they will be peaceful. They say the Somali people have a right to express their opinions freely without intimidation or government interference.
Political observers warn that the growing standoff between the government and the opposition could deepen divisions at a time when Somalia is already facing multiple challenges, including security threats from al-Shabaab, economic hardships, and ongoing efforts to prepare for local council elections. The Defense Minister’s remarks have sparked debate among citizens, with some supporting the government’s stance on maintaining stability, while others criticize what they see as an attempt to suppress democratic freedoms.
As Mogadishu remains on high alert, it is unclear whether the opposition will move forward with its plans for public demonstrations or if further talks between the two sides could ease tensions. For now, Fiqi’s warning signals the government’s firm position against any form of public protest that it believes could endanger the fragile peace in the capital.