Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Somalia’s Defence Minister, (Fiqi), has sparked widespread controversy following remarks described as highly inflammatory in reference to past political tensions in the capital.
The minister’s comments were linked to events that occurred on September 24, 2025, when opposition figures attempted to visit the Warta Nabadda district in Mogadishu. The visit was reportedly blocked by security forces, leading to heightened tensions and clashes between opposition supporters and government security units at the time.
Referring to that incident, Defence Minister Fiqi stated that the opposition should have been “executed” on that day. The remark has since triggered a strong public reaction, drawing criticism from political observers, civil society actors, and opposition-aligned voices, who argue that such language escalates political tensions and undermines reconciliation efforts.
In his broader statement, the minister accused opposition groups of provoking unrest and attempting to challenge state authority through street protests. He further warned that continued demonstrations would not be tolerated, using firm language that has intensified an already fragile political atmosphere in Mogadishu.
The comments come amid ongoing friction between the federal government and opposition factions, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility for rising instability in the capital.
As of now, there has been no official response from opposition leaders regarding the minister’s latest remarks, while public debate continues to grow over the tone and implications of the statement.