BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – Somalia witnessed scenes of violence and chaos as protests against the government continued into the third week with several eyewitness accounts of AU forces opening fire on protesters.
Violent clashes have erupted in the streets of Hiran’s regional capital, Beledweyne, between Somali forces and protesters calling for the release of dozens arrested during massive security operations.
At least three people were injured, including a woman, according to hospital sources.
The protesters accused Djibouti and Ethiopian troops serving under AMISOM of opening fire on them using live ammunition in what opposition parties described as an “unfortunate shooting incident”.
The AU mission faced condemnation for using “unauthorized and excessive force” to shoot civilians during a protest in the central city and called for an apology.
I condemn the actions of suppressing the voice of Hiiraan’s person. I urge the AMISOM & Ethiopian forces to refrain from using force to advance President Farmajo’s personal interests, ”said Abdirahman Abdishakur, a presidential candidate.
He added: “Opening fire on peaceful protesters is a crime that has become the norm under Farmajo’s rule, and wishes the innocent civilians who were wounded during the soldiers’ shooting at the protesters.
No comments from the Somali government on the civilian shooting.
Pro-opposition rallies took place in several key areas of Mogadishu on December 15, with reports suggesting that security forces had clashed with protesters in Yaqshid and Karan districts, causing casualties.
Last Friday, December 25, an armed man in plain cloth working for the spy agency NISA opened fire on protesters in Mogadishu in a blind range, causing the protesters to blow up security.
A witness told Axadlethat he saw several people get wounded in the shooting, while three young ladies have been taken into custody for attending the anti-government meeting in the capital.
AXADLETM
