Somalia’s parliament descended into chaos on Saturday when armed police officers entered inside the federal parliament’s main hall and allegedly threatened lawmakers with lethal force, APA can report.
The situation escalated into violence after the federal police officers assaulted a female lawmaker, according to some lawmakers who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The lawmakers said the heavy-handed police presence in the parliament was intended to shield the President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s political interests from legislative challenge.
Banadir Regional Police Commander, Moalim Mahd, was outside the hall, allegedly coordinating the operation. The lawmakers described the intervention as a direct violation of the independence of the Somali parliament.
This incident marks the second reported case of female representatives facing physical assault and intimidation within the parliamentary complex in recent months, sparking urgent concerns over the safety of elected officials.
Some say the incident sends alarm bells ringing over the erosion of democratic norms in Somalia, a nation currently managing a fragile political transition while facing significant security challenges.
The Somali Police Force and the Office of the President have not responded to the allegations of physical assault or the threats of lethal force allegedly threatened against lawmakers.
MG/as/APA