The Right to Protest is Constitutional, but It is Not Chaos

Like many constitutions around the world, the Constitution of Somalia guarantees citizens the right to assemble and peaceful protest. This is an important right that must be respected. The public, the opposition, and anyone with an opinion has the right to express their views peacefully.

However, every right comes with responsibilities and limitations. A peaceful protest does not mean that an individual or group can turn the city into an unmanageable place. Likewise, it is not acceptable to block major roads, disrupt public services, hinder businesses, or put the public in a state of fear and insecurity.

In Western countries, which we often cite as examples, protests do not occur openly and without a guiding system. Organizers communicate with the police and local authorities. They agree on the location, time, route, security arrangements, and how to ensure the safety of protesters and the general public. The aim is not to silence those protesting, but to protect their rights and the rights of others.

Regarding the opposition's planned protest on June 4 in Mogadishu, the government did not say, "you cannot protest." Instead, to make the protest organized, it designated specific areas where the protest could take place peacefully, and stated that it would ensure the safety of the public, participants, and opposition leaders. That is a reasonable step.

Mogadishu is the capital of the country. It is the center of government, business, and essential services. It is also a city still recovering from long-standing wars, explosions, and insecurity. Therefore, any responsible government has the duty and obligation to prevent any situation that could lead to chaos and disorder.

If the opposition were to say, "we can protest anywhere and at any time," or "we will protest in ten locations simultaneously," that is not a right exercised responsibly, and it would turn into irresponsibility. Protests or social mobilizations that are chaotic can paralyze the entire city, affecting movement, business, education, health services, and the livelihoods of the poor who seek their daily sustenance.

On the other hand, if a security crisis occurs, roads are blocked, medical emergencies are hindered, businesses suffer losses, or if violence erupts, the government would be blamed for neglecting public safety and its governance role. Therefore, the government has the right and obligation to establish a reasonable order for protests.

The aim is not to prevent the public or the opposition from exercising their rights, but to ensure that those rights are used peacefully, legally, and without harming others and the protesters. A peaceful protest must be seen as a whole, including its planning, execution, parameters, methodology, and objectives. However, it is necessary to clarify what the opposition has the right to do in terms of expressing their grievances against the government, voicing their opinions, and organizing their supporters, but it should not turn into chaos or an open confrontation.

A responsible leader is not one who sends people into the streets without a clear plan and system. A responsible leader is one who collaborates with security agencies, avoids incitement, protects supporters, and prevents protests from turning into chaos. The government, for its part, must always respect the right to peaceful protest. It must communicate with the public, clarify the reasons for its decisions, and avoid unnecessary force. Protests should take place in designated areas, at specific times, and under specific regulations; it is not suppression. It is a governmental responsibility.

Somalia today needs governance, order, and mature political competition. Anyone who loves their country must understand that rights and order go hand in hand. Rights without order can turn into chaos. Order without rights can lead to suppression. The correct approach is to protect both: the public's right to protest and the safety of the Somali people.