Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – The Somali Police Force, particularly the Banadir Regional Police Command, says it has arrested several youths accused of involvement in acts of unrest and congestion at security checkpoints established to maintain safety in the capital, Mogadishu.
The Banadir Regional Police Command said it had arrested several youths accused of causing unrest and disrupting security operations at checkpoints in Mogadishu.
In a statement, the police said those arrested were responsible for creating situations that could threaten public security, stability, and the movement of civilians.
The arrests linked to the recent opposition protests in Mogadishu mainly occurred between May 8 and May 10, 2026, ahead of and during planned anti-government demonstrations. Somali police announced on May 8 that they had detained several youths accused of organizing activities tied to the protests.
The suspects were reportedly detained near security checkpoints, and police said preliminary investigations are ongoing before the accused are referred to the appropriate court.
Dozens more youths have reportedly been arrested for allegedly organizing opposition-led and anti-government protests in Somalia, amid escalating political tensions over the extension of term by former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Security agencies also stated that they are still pursuing other individuals allegedly linked to the incidents, while urging the public to avoid what they described as “organized acts against the security and stability of the capital.”
Police further emphasized that unauthorized protests or gatherings without approval from security authorities are not permitted under the country’s security regulations.
Meanwhile, Somali MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame strongly condemned the arrests, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at suppressing the views of Somali youth.
In a statement, the lawmaker said six young people were detained for participating in a peaceful protest in Mogadishu, while claiming that a total of 15 youths are currently being held by the former government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“The arrest of young people for peacefully expressing their views reflects the growing fear within Hassan Sheikh’s administration over the awakening and voice of Somali youth,” the MP said.
Abdirahman Abdishakur also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained youths and urged an end to what he described as politically motivated arrests and intimidation targeting young people.
He further appealed to Somali youth both inside and outside the country to stand in solidarity with those he said were being unlawfully targeted, warning that “silence normalizes oppression.”