We will continue to protest, Somali opposition vows as electoral talks fail

The opposition in Somalia has vowed to proceed with demonstrations against President Mohamed Farmaajo whose term in office lapsed early this month as the country stares at uncertainty over the delayed elections.

Addressing the media in Mogadishu Monday, the opposition leaders said they will go on with the protests to force Farmaajo out of office.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur told journalists the protest will resume on Friday 26. Similar protests set for last Friday failed after security forces cordoned off the city.

Sharif however distanced the opposition from former military commander Yusuf Indha-Ade’s remarks who claimed last week people had taken control of the country until a new government is formed.

He noted that the remarks by the former SNA man do not reflect the views of the opposition and that the Federal Government should not translate his remarks to mean that of the opposition.

Abdishakur lashed out at the international community for ‘watching and ignoring the brutal incidents of 19 February in Mogadishu.’

National army forces were on that day captured on camera indiscriminately firing live bullets at an opposition rally led by Abdishakur and former prime minister Hassan Khaire.

The opposition leaders lauded Puntland and Jubbaland for their stance in refusing to attend the electoral talks with Farmaajo in Mogadishu.

The remarks come several hours after the opposition petitioned the UN Security Council to intervene is removing Farmaajo from office to allow for a caretaker administration until elections are conducted.