Mogadishu Police Address Reports Regarding Attire Restrictions

The Banadir Regional Police Command has officially dismissed recent claims suggesting the imposition of a ban by the Somalia government on the wearing of face masks, turbans, hats, and face veils in Mogadishu, aimed at bolstering the capital’s security.

Banadir Regional Police Chief, Mahdi Omar Mu’min, refuted these reports, attributing them to what he termed as disinformation orchestrated by adversaries seeking to undermine the reputation of security agencies. Mu’min conveyed this stance through a statement released on his official Facebook page.

In response to heightened scrutiny over the past few days, where security personnel have been observed requesting individuals on public transportation, including auto-rickshaws, to remove face masks, turbans, hats, and veils, a wave of public discontent has emerged within the capital.

Mu’min urged the residents of Mogadishu to report any instances of abuse linked to these measures, clarifying that such directives did not originate from the security agencies.