US warns Somalia over use of force against opposition protesters
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – As political tensions deepen in Somalia, the United States has issued one of its strongest public warnings yet against the use of force on opposition demonstrators, following a turbulent weekend in Mogadishu that saw at least one protester killed, several others wounded, and the capital effectively placed under military lockdown. Speaking in […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – As political tensions deepen in Somalia, the United States has issued one of its strongest public warnings yet against the use of force on opposition demonstrators, following a turbulent weekend in Mogadishu that saw at least one protester killed, several others wounded, and the capital effectively placed under military lockdown.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan Africa, the US Charge d’Affaires to Somalia, Justin Davis, said violence against peaceful demonstrators was “never acceptable”, urging Somalia’s political leaders to pursue dialogue and compromise amid an escalating dispute over the country’s political future.
He stressed that Somalia’s future ultimately “is in the hands of the Somali people and its leaders”.
The remarks came a day after Somali authorities deployed thousands of security personnel, tanks and armoured military vehicles across Mogadishu in an attempt to prevent opposition demonstrations from taking place, effectively placing much of the city under lockdown.
The unusually direct comments come at a delicate political moment for the Horn of Africa nation, where relations between the federal government and opposition groups have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks.
The interview offered a rare glimpse into what Washington described as an evolving policy towards Africa, framed around “mutually beneficial partnerships”, while reaffirming continued American priorities including counterterrorism, governance, economic cooperation and regional stability.
Mr Davis also warned that continued political instability could have consequences for both Somalia and its international partnerships, saying compromise between Somali political actors was urgently needed.
His comments follow reports that Washington had been pressuring both the Somali federal government and opposition leaders to enter negotiations aimed at easing the growing political crisis. According to the reports, a first round of talks mediated by the United States was expected to begin on 13 May.
However, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Ba’ad, dismissed the claims, insisting that Washington was neither interfering in Somalia’s political dispute nor planning to broker talks between the rival sides.
An opposition planned for Sunday failed to materialise after security forces sealed off major roads and intersections across the capital. Witnesses said tanks, armoured personnel carriers and heavily armed troops were stationed throughout the city, while roads leading to the residences of opposition leaders were blocked with armoured vehicles and stone barricades, preventing them from leaving to lead the demonstrations.
Washington’s intervention now places additional pressure on Somali political actors already struggling to contain a widening crisis ahead of another planned opposition rally scheduled for 16 May – a date laden with political symbolism as it comes just one day after the formal expiry of the president’s current term.
The opposition accuses the government of attempting to suppress dissent and monopolise political power, allegations officials reject.
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