(11 Feb 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Several MPs have accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of suppressing political opposition after security forces disrupted a meeting of political groups in the capital, Mogadishu on Monday.
The incident occurred at a hotel where politicians, including members of the Himilo Qaran party led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, were meeting to discuss a potential merger. MP Amin Omar Jesow was addressing the gathering, which was being broadcast live when police entered and halted the event.
MP Mohamed Omar Caana Nuug condemned the police action. “This is a blatant attempt to suppress political opposition. Such actions will only escalate tensions and destabilize the country further,” he told Shabelle Media.
The raid coincides with a new directive from Somalia’s security services, requiring all hotels in Mogadishu to seek government approval before hosting political meetings. Opposition figures have criticized the move, arguing that it restricts freedom of assembly and silences dissent.
The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has not yet commented on the allegations or the police action.
The incident comes amid rising political tensions in Somalia. President Mohamud has pledged to hold elections based on a one-person, one-vote system in May 2026, but critics say that ongoing security challenges and political instability make this timeframe highly unlikely.
Halqabsi News
