Somali Government Moves to Prevent Planned Opposition Protest in Mogadishu

The Somali Salvation Forum on Monday condemned government efforts to block a planned peaceful protest in Mogadishu. The opposition coalition issued its statement on 11 May 2026, according to AllAfrica reported. The demonstration had been organized to express solidarity with residents allegedly displaced from their homes through forced and unlawful evictions.

The Somali Salvation Forum stated that the protest was intended to remain peaceful. The group accused the federal government of restricting constitutional rights including freedom of expression and public assembly. "The right to protest and express public opinion is guaranteed under the constitution," the Somali Salvation Forum stated.

The statement added that the government's actions violated key democratic principles and civil liberties. The Somali Salvation Forum warned that preventing peaceful demonstrations risked undermining public trust and weakening Somalia's fragile democratic processes.

The statement called on the federal government to respect citizens' rights and uphold constitutional protections and fundamental freedoms.

AllAfrica reported that the condemnation comes amid growing political tensions in Mogadishu, where opposition leaders and government officials have traded accusations over security measures, electoral reforms and political freedoms in recent days.