The Banadir Regional Police Commander, Senior Colonel Mahdi Omar Mumin (Maalim Mahdi),stated that police are prepared to arrest armed men who are allegedly accompanying protesters associated with the opposition side.
He said that information about such individuals including their identities, photographs, names, and any other details that can be collected will be gathered and used to account them.
“ Those who are armed and those who shelter them at their homes or operating with them will be held accountable. We have your names, your photos, and your information, and everyone has their own NIRA record. We will hold you accountable. The public should also stay away from participation in protests that disrupt security and cause chaos.”He said
Online posts and circulating videos show police officers and members of the national forces in uniform, among whom there appear to be people holding signs while protesting.
The reported arrests and visible security crackdown have sparked fear among some residents, suggesting organized efforts by the government and opposition groups around the demonstrations.
Somalia’s federal government has previously allowed opposition to hold peaceful demonstration but restricted opposition demonstrations in Mogadishu to a single designated venue, saying a proposal to hold protests across multiple locations could endanger public safety, disrupt essential services and heighten the risk of armed confrontation in the capital.
Mustaqbal
