Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somali security forces briefly detained three figures linked to the political opposition in Mogadishu late Thursday before releasing them a few hours later, a move that opposition leaders say has further heightened political tensions ahead of a planned protest in the capital.
Those detained included former Minister of Religious Affairs Omar Ali Rooble and two businessmen, Ali Haji Iman and Bulaale. The three men were arrested near the Global Hotel, where Iman lives, and were released following the intervention of lawmakers. They are known allies of opposition politicians and had recently spoken out against the government’s handling of a controversial land dispute in Mogadishu’s Siinaay neighborhood, an issue that has already sparked unrest in recent weeks.
The arrests came just a day after gunfire broke out at Wardhiigley police station, where opposition figures had gathered. That incident, along with the detentions, has deepened accusations from government critics that authorities are deliberately cracking down on dissent and trying to block the demonstration scheduled for Saturday.
Opposition leaders have accused the government of misusing security forces to silence voices of criticism. They argue that the recent arrests, even if brief, send a clear signal that authorities are trying to intimidate their rivals ahead of the protest. Some reports suggested the detentions were coordinated in advance as part of wider efforts to suppress the opposition, though government officials have not offered any explanation for the move.
For weeks, the planned protest has been a flashpoint of political tension in Mogadishu. Organizers say the demonstration will go ahead despite the government’s objections, arguing that Somalis have the right to gather peacefully and express their views. The federal government has rejected the event, calling it a threat to national security, but has not provided details on how the protest might endanger the country’s stability.
Opposition leaders insist the government is overstating the risks in order to justify restrictions on free speech and assembly. They point to the Siinaay land case as an example of how the government has mishandled disputes, escalating anger among residents instead of resolving the matter fairly. The controversy has become a rallying point for critics, who say it highlights deeper problems of governance, corruption, and disregard for public rights.
In recent days, opposition figures have urged Somalis to join the protest peacefully and called on the international community to keep a close eye on how the government responds. They argue that freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate are protected values that must not be undermined, even in a country still struggling with insecurity and insurgent threats.
Lawmakers who stepped in to secure the release of Rooble, Iman, and Bulaale said their involvement was necessary to prevent further escalation. They warned that arbitrary arrests risk inflaming tensions at a time when Somalia needs calm dialogue and political cooperation.
As Mogadishu braces for the protest, many residents remain uncertain about what will happen. Past demonstrations in the city have at times turned violent, especially when security forces and protesters clashed. Organizers say they are determined to avoid violence, stressing that their rally is about demanding justice, fairness, and accountability. Still, with the government’s firm opposition and the heavy deployment of security forces in recent days, there are concerns that any spark could lead to unrest.
The unfolding situation reflects the fragile balance Somalia is facing between ensuring security and respecting fundamental rights. The opposition says the government must show restraint and listen to the grievances of citizens rather than resorting to arrests and threats. Whether Saturday’s demonstration will proceed peacefully, or spiral into further clashes, may depend on how both sides choose to act in the hours ahead.
Headline: Somali Opposition Figures Arrested and Released Ahead of Planned Protest
Subheadline: Brief detentions fuel political tensions in Mogadishu as protest organizers vow to move forward despite government opposition