Farmaajo spells the blood of Somali people

Somalia is in a state of political and constitutional limbo as the government of president Mohamed Abdullahi ­Mohamed – universally known by his nickname “Farmajo” fail to hold free and fair elections.

For two weeks now the country has been in a constitutional crisis after ­Somalia’s president refused to leave ­office after his term expired. 

An alliance of Somali opposition leaders called for anti-government protests. The government banned the planned protest citing a recent COVID-19 surge as a reason.

But the day before the planned protests things took a downward turn. Somalia’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful demonstrations. At the same time the government sees it as its duty to police the protests. However, the opposition alliance, refused police protection. 

In response, government banned the planned protest. The ban exacerbated simmering tensions and led to gun battle in the capital overnight. 

Nevertheless, the opposition pushed ahead with the planned protest, defying the ban on public gatherings. This turned into a confrontation as protesters clashed with security forces, causing deaths and injuries in the capital Mogadishu. 

It was unclear who opened fire first, but one witness said: "We were peacefully walking along the airport road together with former prime minister Hassan Ali Kheire, when the security forces opened fire on us, creating mayhem."

“It is lamentable that Farmaajo, whose term in office lapsed, is willing to spill the blood of the demonstrators,” ex-President Mohamoud stated.

Somalia’s current disarray stems from the failure of the federal government and leaders of the five federal states to agree on the implementation of the September 17 revised election model.