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Somali police patrol an area recently hit by a terrorist attack. Al-Shabaab have continued to target security forces, AU peacekeepers and officials in the capital Mogadishu ahead of the presidential election [Xinhua]
Security has been beefed up in fears of an attack by the Islamist extremist group Al Shabaab seeking to disrupt the political process.
Security forces closed off major roads and imposed a traffic ban after mortar shells fell near the airport.
Somalia’s incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking a second five-year term and is pit against rival Omar Abdirashid Sharmake, the prime minister.
The UN has called the election historic and Washington says it is an important symbol of political legitimacy and stability in a country that has not had a functioning government in 25 years.
But some political analysts say that the vote is not inclusive as it is determined by legislators only.
Nevertheless, not having any kind of political election and transition is far worse as that would lead to Balkanization and strengthening of such Al-Qaeda affiliates, such as Al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab have vowed to disrupt the elections. They have routinely carried out deadly attacks against government forces and officials, as well as African Union troops and diplomatic envoys of countries invested in Somalia, such as the UAE.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
