Mogadishu (WDN) – Small groups of demonstrators returned to the streets of Mogadishu for a second consecutive day on Sunday, protesting against the Federal Government and demanding the release of activist Sacdiya Bajaj, who was recently sentenced to three years in prison.
The protesters, many of them young women, gathered in several neighborhoods across the Somali capital dressed in red clothing as a symbol of solidarity with Bajaj. They carried banners and chanted slogans condemning the government while calling for her immediate release.
In one of the day’s most striking scenes, several demonstrators tore apart photographs of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in front of television cameras, signaling growing public frustration over the government’s handling of the case.
The crowd repeatedly chanted slogans accusing the administration of corruption and rejecting its policies, with cries of, “We don’t want thieves,” and “We will not accept this,” echoing through the protest sites.
Many of the young men participating in the demonstrations concealed their faces with scarves or masks, apparently out of concern that they could later be identified and arrested by security forces. The precaution underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding the protests and fears of possible crackdowns on dissent.
Despite the symbolic displays, the turnout remained relatively modest, with videos circulating on social media showing only small groups of protesters assembled in different parts of the city.
Sacdiya Bajaj’s imprisonment has become an increasingly controversial issue, drawing criticism from activists and sections of the public who argue that the case raises broader questions about freedom of expression and the government’s tolerance of dissent. Supporters have portrayed her conviction as politically motivated, while authorities have maintained that legal proceedings were conducted in accordance with the law.
The demonstrations come at a politically sensitive time, as Somalia continues to grapple with deep political divisions over governance, constitutional reforms, and the country’s electoral process. Whether the growing campaign for Bajaj’s release gathers wider public support remains uncertain, but the second consecutive day of protests suggests that her case is evolving into a broader rallying point for critics of the Federal Government.
So far, the Federal Government has not issued a new statement in response to Sunday’s demonstrations or renewed calls for Bajaj’s release.
WardheerNews
