Security beefed up in Somali capital as lawmakers meet

[Deeq A.]

Somali authorities have beefed up security in and around the capital, Mogadishu, ahead of a parliamentary session later on Wednesday.

Security forces sealed off key roads leading to the Lower House as lawmakers are expected to meet on COVID-19, the federal and border commission, and a national refugee act.

Last Saturday, 15 lawmakers were suspended by Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal for disrupting his attempt to chair a session.

The 15 have vowed to be present in parliament despite the ban, prompting fears of clashes on Wednesday.

International partners have called on Somali leaders to reach a consensus on implementing the electoral process according to a pre-election model agreed on Sept. 17, 2020.

Presidential elections were to be held on Feb. 8.

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