Somalis revolt against Tyrant

Political tensions are currently elevated in Somalia after the country missed a deadline to hold parliamentary elections. Disagreements over the composition of the electoral board prevented the vote from taking place this month.

Previously Somalia’s election body, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), delayed elections scheduled for November. 

The opposition accuse President Mohamed Abdullahi Faramaajo of stacking the election committee with his political allies, raising concerns about the commission and its capacity to hold a free and fair vote.

Hundreds of people marched through Somalia's capital Mogadishu to denounce president Farmaajo. They accuse him of delaying the country's legislative elections to aid his re-election bid in 2021.

There were reports of clashes between gunmen protecting the protestors and security forces.

Road closures and an increased security force presence have been reported in several areas in Mogadishu as of early Dec. 20head of opposition protests against President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. 

Reports indicate that security forces are also restricting movement in the Bulo Hubey neighborhood of Wadajir district, where several opposition candidates reside.

Large crowds and related security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will likely prompt localized transport disruptions, increased traffic congestion, and cancelations and diversions of public transport in the city. 

Current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in Somalia place restrictions on public gatherings; police may attempt to disperse activists if they are deemed to be breaching these restrictions.

Security forces clashed with protesters in the Yaqshid and Karan districts of Mogadushu during pro-opposition rallies, wounding four people; further clashes are likely between protesters and police.