Somaliland police have vowed to crash any pro-democracy demonstrations planned by the opposition to push the government to hold presidential elections.
Somaliland Police Chief Mohamed Aden Saqadhi Dabagale said unless authorized by the government, no demonstrations will be allowed to take place anywhere in Somaliland.
While addressing police officers in Hargeisa, Dabagale said: “There will be no protest, stay in your homes. We will crack down on those who take part in the protests.”
“From now on, we will put our forces on high alert and prepare for any incident that could lead to violence in the country.”
The police boss seemed to be pointing finger at the opposition parties which have threatened to hold mass demonstrations to pressure the government to hold the presidential elections on November 13 as per the constitutional requirement.
Early in the week, the opposition set up a 15 member team to organize nationwide demonstrations.
The Wadani and UCID parties said they will carry on with the plans to hold the demonstrations with or without the government consent.
The opposition parties have accused president Musa Bihi of attempting to extend his term, an accusation the president has yet to comment on.
On Sunday, the opposition parties said their planned demonstrations was to salvage the country and save the democratic process.
