By Goth Mohamed Goth
Mogadishu – The Somali opposition, which held a meeting in Mogadishu today, has insisted that tomorrow they will proceed with a protest against what they describe as the ongoing displacement and destruction in the capital. They accuse the federal government of forcibly evicting residents from their homes.
MP Abdirahman Warsame, one of the opposition figures leading the demonstrations against the government, said the protest is peaceful and aims to defend those who have been displaced.
“This protest is a peaceful demonstration against the displacement and looting of the Somali people’s land,” said MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, alleging that hundreds of thousands of people have been evicted from their homes and businesses.
He also called on the public to take part in the rally, especially those who have been evicted, saying, “every person should return to the place from which they were displaced to assert their rights.”
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, for his part, said the protests will continue until the aggrieved people obtain their rights.
“The protest is not just for tomorrow. It will continue until the victims gain their rights,” Kheyre said.
Kheyre accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government of suppressing and imprisoning young people and those who hold opposing views. He urged security forces not to be used against protesting civilians.
Another former prime minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble, stated that the people of Mogadishu are required to “stand up in defense of the displaced.”
“Every citizen who has suffered injustice has a day to protest tomorrow,” Roble said, describing Mogadishu as “a city known for peace and hospitality” but now plagued by “a few individuals trying to loot the people’s assets.”
Meanwhile, former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who also chairs the opposition ‘Future of Somalia’ council, said this year has become “marked by looting and displacement.”
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused the government of failing to stop the demolition of homes and the eviction of poor people, stating that this is not something to be ignored.
“We oppose the oppression of people displaced from their homes,” he said, calling on the public to join the planned protests.
Opposition leaders said the gatherings will take place in several districts of the Banadir region, reiterating that they are “peaceful” protests to voice public grievances.
