By Salahudin Ahmed - Reporter
Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) — Somali opposition leaders and government officials reached an agreement overnight to relocate Sunday’s planned protest in Mogadishu to Conis Stadium, also known as Eng. Yariisow Stadium, following lengthy negotiations involving clan elders, businessmen and politicians.
According to participants in the talks, the discussions involved federal government security officials, the Banaadir regional administration and several opposition leaders led by former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
Under the agreement, security forces were to be withdrawn from the immediate vicinity of the stadium to allow protesters and opposition leaders to reach the venue peacefully and without obstruction.
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Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Sunday morning, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed confirmed that the protest location had been moved to Conis Stadium.
Opposition supporters were urged to gather at the stadium, where official speeches are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.
The agreement comes amid heightened political tensions in Mogadishu linked to planned opposition demonstrations and disputes over elections and governance.