MOGADISHU, Somalia – On Saturday, police in Somalia fired on students at an event arranged by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking the latest security lapse that raises questions about VIP protection and risks escalating into a serious clash with civilians.
A significant security episode unfolded at a public gathering attended by Somalia’s President, sparked by rising tensions among students in the stadium where numerous dignitaries were present.
Initial accounts indicate that students started damaging chairs and seating, prompting a rapid intervention by security teams. The reason for the students’ sudden disruption at that moment remains unclear.
Officials have verified that gunfire occurred amid the chaos, with at least one student wounded as security tried to restore order in what might have become a far worse incident.
However, insiders close to the event claim the disorder stemmed from accusations that government figures had evicted displaced families by force and seized schools linked to some impacted students.
The administration had arranged a major assembly at the stadium, billed as a Teachers’ Day occasion, though many students voiced discontent over its intent and management. Some students alleged they were transported to the site unwillingly.
President Mohamud seeks to manage growing public discontent over his governance, as the nation approaches elections in 2026.
Somalia grapples with ongoing Al-Shabaab assaults and the ISIS presence in the north. Critics accuse President Mohamud of failing to curb insecurity and soaring living expenses, even as he pours resources into his reelection bid.
