Somali Opposition Bloc Calls for Major Mogadishu Protest on May 16

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s opposition has raised the political temperature in the capital, with the Somali Future Council announcing a mass protest in Mogadishu on May 16 and accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his government of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and broader political repression.

In a statement released in Mogadishu, the coalition said authorities were trying to stop a peaceful rally planned by forum members a day earlier in the city.

“The Somali Salvation Forum strongly condemns the actions taken by the outgoing president to obstruct the peaceful protest organized yesterday by members of the forum in Mogadishu,” the statement said.

The opposition group said security forces, pressure tactics, and intimidation have been used against critics. It also argued that President Hassan Sheikh’s constitutional term would effectively come to an end on May 16.

According to the forum, the newly announced demonstration will remain peaceful and is intended to voice the opposition’s political positions. It urged Mogadishu residents, along with supporters elsewhere in Somalia, to join the protest.

The call for action comes as tensions deepen over disputed land demolitions, forced evictions, and long-running disputes tied to Somalia’s electoral system and governance.

The federal government has not immediately responded to the latest allegations.

AXADLETM