MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Abudwak, in Somalia’s Galgadud region, has seen rising unrest as residents reject the voter registration process introduced by the federal government through Galmudug state.
A demonstration led by local forces, women, and youth took place in Abudwak, while clashes erupted at two hotels where members of the disputed Electoral Commission were staying.
Locals told KAAB TV that clan militias have entered the town, and tensions remain high.
Local men and women gathered in the town’s centre on Tuesday as the denounced the registration process which was set to begin in Abudwak.
Daud Mohamed, a member of the Abudwak youth, said protests might continue in the coming days, and there is growing concern that the situation could escalate into violence.
Other parts of Galmudug have also rejected similar voter registration efforts, with residents of Abudwak stating they do not want to participate in what they call a controversial federal-led process.
Opposition politicians said the people of Abudwak have been denied development projects and have no meaningful role in the electoral process, which has led them to reject it.
They accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of trying to subjugate the people of Galgadud by enforcing a unilateral electoral process controlled by himself.
“No election dictated by a single politician should be allowed. This is the position supported by the Somali Salvation Forum,” said Mohamed Adan Kofi, a presidential candidate for the Galmudug region.
