Rival Protests Held in Mogadishu as Political Tensions Rise

By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter

Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, witnessed rival demonstrations on Monday, reflecting growing political divisions between supporters of the Federal Government and opposition-aligned groups amid escalating tensions in the country.

Protesters gathered in Mogadishu’s Wadajir District near the Zoobe area, carrying placards criticizing the Federal Government’s handling of political and security affairs.

The first protest took place in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district, near the Zope area, where demonstrators carried placards criticizing the Federal Government’s handling of political and security affairs.

Some protesters said their grievances were linked to property they claimed had been confiscated through government processes, describing the gathering as an effort to defend their rights and interests.

Meanwhile, Banadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Moalim warned against anti-government demonstrations, saying those organizing unlawful protests would be held responsible for any unrest or damage resulting from them.

“To former officials, we say: yesterday is not today. Whoever organizes unlawful acts will bear responsibility,” Moalim said.

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The remarks come as opposition figures have previously called for anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu following the Eid holidays.

Later in the evening, a separate rally was held at Taleex Junction in support of the Federal Government, where participants praised recent efforts to improve security in the capital.

Later in the evening, a separate rally was held at Taleh Junction in support of the Federal Government, with participants praising recent efforts to improve security in the capital.

Supporters at the gathering carried banners expressing solidarity with the government and backing its handling of security issues in Mogadishu.

The rival demonstrations underscore the increasingly polarized political climate in Somalia, as debates over governance, security, and the country’s political direction continue to intensify ahead of opposition protests expected to begin in Mogadishu on June 4 after Eid celebrations.