Somalia: The Somali government has escalated its aggressive efforts to register voters for a disputed unilateral election, forcibly detaining civilians at bus stations, markets, and public areas in the capital. This has sparked widespread outrage, with videos of destroyed voter IDs being shared on social media as a form of protest. Previously, authorities closed schools and universities to compel student registrations after voluntary sign-ups fell short. The U.S. has warned Mogadishu against making unilateral changes to electoral and constitutional processes without agreement. As public discontent rises, the legitimacy of the election and the government’s harsh methods are coming under increasing examination.

  • Lord, we pray that you will bring peace to Somalia amidst the unrest caused by the government’s aggressive voter registration efforts. Pray for justice for those who have been wrongfully detained and for the protection of civilians during this tumultuous time (The Holy Bible, Matthew 5:9).
  • Lord, we pray that the leaders of Somalia will seek wisdom and guidance from God in their decisions regarding the electoral process. May they prioritize the welfare of their citizens over political gain and work towards a fair and inclusive electoral system (The Holy Bible, Micah 6:8).

News Source: Somalia Guardian
Image Source: Canva