Monday , May 25, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -The Commander of the Banadir Regional Police, Macalin Mahdi, has warned that former Somali leaders accused of organizing anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu could face arrest warrants, in what observers describe as a significant escalation in the capital’s growing political tensions.
The warning follows demonstrations held in Mogadishu on Monday, during which protesters voiced opposition to the Federal Government and reportedly burned images of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Speaking to the media, Macalin Mahdi alleged that “a political figure gathered youth groups at his residence this afternoon,” adding that security agencies are aware of “the names of militia members associated with the opposition.”
The police chief stated that authorities would take legal action against individuals accused of actions considered threats to national security and public order.
The developments come amid heightened political tensions in Mogadishu, where security forces have increased deployments and checkpoints in several districts regarded as opposition strongholds.
No former Somali leader had publicly responded to the allegations at the time of reporting.