Somalia: Protests in Tarabunka area of Mogadishu, Jan. 21

Event

Protests have been reported in the Tarabunka area of Mogadishu Jan. 21. Protesters have set up barricades along several routes, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition to disperse participants. Demonstrators are protesting against the killing of Hodan District commissioner Abdihakim Dhagajuun at a security checkpoint in Mogadishu Jan. 20. Several security officers have been arrested in connection with this incident.

Security forces will likely remain deployed in the affected areas in the coming hours. Further clashes between protesters and security forces are possible, particularly if participants continue to be disruptive or refuse police orders to disperse. Transport disruptions are likely to persist on routes in the affected area.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Monitor local media and check with trusted sources for updates. If clashes between locals and security forces spread to an as yet unaffected area, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure location. Plan accordingly for increased traffic congestion around the affected areas. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.