By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Somalia, 20 May 2026 Somali opposition politician Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame said an anti-government protest in Mogadishu would proceed, despite authorities’ efforts to restrict demonstrations.
Speaking during a press conference organized by the Somali Salvation Forum on Tuesday, Abdishakur said opposition groups planned to hold demonstrations on June 4 after an earlier protest scheduled for May 10 failed.
“The peaceful demonstrations will continue,” Abdishakur said.
He accused the Somali government of preventing opposition supporters from gathering during the previous planned protest in Mogadishu.
“We saw what happened on May 10 when roads were blocked and people were prevented from gathering,” he said.
Abdishakur also accused authorities of attempting to intimidate opposition supporters and discourage public demonstrations.
Related articles
He said citizens had a constitutional right to express their political views through peaceful protests and called on residents of Mogadishu to participate in the planned demonstration.
“We are encouraging people to peacefully express their views because the constitution guarantees that right,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing political tensions in Somalia over constitutional amendments, election arrangements and the federal government’s push toward direct one person, one vote elections.
Opposition groups have accused the government of pursuing unilateral political changes without broad consensus, while the federal government says its reforms are intended to expand democratic participation and strengthen state institutions.
Political talks between the federal government and opposition figures held earlier this month in Mogadishu ended without agreement on key disputes related to elections and constitutional reforms.