The US Embassy in Somalia on Wednesday warned American citizens to avoid Daljirka-Dahsoo area in Mogadishu, citing planned protests.
The embassy said there were plans to stage a protest in The Tomb of Unknown Soldiers in the capital on Friday.
“Demonstrations are expected to take place on Friday, February 19, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Daljirka-Dahsoon monument in Mogadishu,” the statement reads in part. “Somalia’s opposition presidential candidates have called for protests against President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo” and delays to the country’s electoral process.”
The embassy urged its citizens monitor local media for updates.
“Given the risk of violent crime and civil unrest, U.S. citizens should avoid these demonstrations and any demonstration-related activities,” the statement said.
Despite the ban of public gatherings by Somali government due to COVID-19 re-emergence, the leaders of Council of Presidential candidates (CPC) insisted that they will lead protests against president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Friday.
