world
Somalia Opposition Calls for Protest in Mogadishu as Presidential Term Nears End
Opposition politicians announced they will demonstrate against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of seeking to extend his term beyond constitutional limits. The current presidential term ends May 15. An earlier protest was blocked by security forces deployed across parts of the capital.
May 12, 6:38 AM·1m read1 source
france24.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Somalia's opposition politicians said they will hold a major protest in the capital Mogadishu on May 16. They accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to extend his stay in office beyond constitutional limits. The opposition said the demonstration will go ahead despite an earlier protest being blocked after security forces were deployed across parts of Mogadishu and took control of planned gathering sites.
In a statement, opposition leaders said the May 16 protest is aimed at rejecting any move to extend presidential tenure. They argued that the current term is due to end on May 15. Opposition leaders accused authorities of restricting public assembly and deploying heavy security presence in Mogadishu during earlier attempts to organise demonstrations.
The federal government did not immediately respond to the allegations. Tensions have been rising in Somalia over political disputes, including disagreements over elections, governance and security operations in the capital. AllAfrica reported that the opposition leaders made their announcement in Mogadishu on May 12.
The article detailing the plans was published the same day by Shabelle Media Network. The latest protest call comes one day before the scheduled end of the current presidential term.
