Mogadishu, Somalia – Mayor of Mogadishu, Dr. Mungaab, has issued a strong condemnation of a recent security incident in the city, describing it as a “coup” intended to destabilize the nation’s capital. Speaking at a public event, the Mayor praised the swift and professional response of the security forces, stating their actions prevented a far greater catastrophe. The comments were delivered in the wake of an attack that, according to the Ministry of Information, was perpetrated by politicians who sought to disrupt peace and order.
Dr. Mungaab’s address painted a picture of a calculated effort to sow chaos. He characterized the attack as a “destructive act by individuals who were defeated in the political arena and are now resorting to violence and chaos”. The mayor’s message was a direct response to a press release from the Ministry of Information that condemned an act by politicians who “violated public security” and attempted to “obstruct the security of the Banaadir region”.
The mayor’s remarks underscored the fact that such actions do not represent the interests or will of the city’s residents. He positioned the security forces’ response as a defense of the city’s stability, which has been carefully built over many years.
A central theme of Dr. Mungaab’s speech was his profound appreciation for the security forces, particularly the police, who responded to the incident with a high degree of professionalism. He commended their strategic handling of the situation and their restraint, crediting them with averting a more widespread conflict. He asserted that the incident was a direct challenge to the authority of the state, and the security forces’ firm response demonstrated the government’s resolve.
The mayor also issued a powerful appeal to the public to stand united with the government and security forces. He called on the residents of Mogadishu to resist any attempts by those who seek to cause disruption, highlighting that public cooperation is paramount to maintaining the peace and prosperity of the city.
The mayor’s message was reinforced by a speech from former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, who spoke at the same event. Gedi’s address centered on the importance of the constitution and the rule of law as the only legitimate avenues for addressing political differences. He condemned the actions of the attackers as a betrayal of democratic principles and a reckless disregard for the nation’s legal and political framework.
Ali Mohamed Gedi defended the government’s right to protect its institutions and maintain order. He drew on Somalia’s past to emphasize that the country cannot return to a state of chaos and that the government’s actions are necessary to protect the hard-won gains in peace and stability. The former Prime Minister’s stance on the issue aligns with the government’s position that all political grievances must be resolved through peaceful and legal means, not through violence or force.
The combined messages from these prominent officials serve to strengthen public confidence in the government’s handling of the incident and to reinforce a unified front against those who would seek to undermine Somalia’s progress toward peace and stability.