Journalists barred from covering crucial Lower House vote

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Journalists intending to cover the election of the Lower House leadership were this morning barred from accessing the venue at the airforce hangar.

The journalists were turned away by ATMIS forces at Marina Gate as they sought clearance to access the vast airport compound where the airforce hangar is located.

There was no immediate reason for the move which comes amid heightened tensions in Mogadishu ahead of the crucial elections.

A fresh row between Prime Minister Mohamed Roble and outgoing President Mohamed Farmaajo erupted Monday night following the PM’s dismissal of the Somali Police from securing the elections and the subsequent firing of Police Commissioner-General Abdi Hajar.

Farmaajo has since rejected the PM’s order noting the Somali police was tasked with election security under the September 2020 Agreement while ATMIS would provide a support role.

Elections for the speaker and deputies are expected to commence soon.