Extra police deployed at Somalia parliament amid dispute over agenda

Extra police forces were deployed on Tuesday at the temporary venue of Somalia’s Federal Parliament to contain tensions involving lawmakers opposed to the way the parliamentary leadership is pushing through the agenda.

Media outlets were barred from covering the session to prevent live reporting of the heated scenes inside the chamber. However, videos recorded by some lawmakers later circulated on social media.

Lawmakers who were suspended from attending the session said they still intended to go to the parliament building to raise objections over agenda items related to Chapters Five to Nine of the country’s constitution. It remains unclear how they plan to participate, given their suspension.

Police officers stationed inside the House of the People surrounded the Speaker’s seating area and parliamentary marshals, in what officials said was meant to ensure order and protect the leadership.

In one of the videos shared by lawmakers, voices could be heard claiming that MP Adar Hareed was injured during the incident. The lawmakers accused police officers of causing the injury. No official statement has yet been issued regarding the claim.