MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Command of the Somali Police Force has announced a comprehensive restriction on vehicular and public movement across Mogadishu for this coming Thursday, December 25, 2025. This measure is designed to guarantee the safety and security of citizens as they head to the polls for the capital’s long-awaited local council elections, a democratic exercise of profound national significance.
The directive was issued following a high-level emergency strategy session convened by the Somali Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi (Diyaano). The Commissioner gathered all heads of directorates, division commanders, and leaders of special police units to finalize the security architecture for election day. During the briefing, General Asad instructed the senior officers to implement a rigorous security protocol while ensuring that the public is treated with dignity and facilitated in their movement to voting centers.
Addressing the operational details, the Commissioner emphasized that the primary objective of limiting movement is to create a sterile security environment where voters can cast their ballots without fear of disruption. He ordered the forces to maintain a high state of alert throughout the day and to work proactively to prevent any security breaches that could compromise the integrity of the voting process.
Following the security summit, the Spokesperson for the Somali Police Force, Major Abdifatah Adan Hassan, briefed the media on the humanitarian aspects of the lockdown. He assured the public that the command has not overlooked the necessity of emergency services. The police have designated specific vehicles to operate exclusively for medical emergencies and other critical needs that may arise among the population during the restriction period. This provision aims to balance strict security enforcement with the essential welfare of Mogadishu’s residents.
The preparations for December 25 are being treated with the utmost seriousness by the security apparatus. This election represents a historic turning point, marking the first time in over fifty years that the residents of Mogadishu will participate in a direct, public vote to elect their local leadership. The Somali Police Force remains fully mobilized to ensure this landmark event proceeds peacefully, allowing citizens to seize this opportunity to shape their future governance.
