Mogadishu (SD) – Crowds of people protesting in Somalia’s capital city were reportedly fired upon by armed men in plain clothes, suspected of being government security authorities.

Demonstrators, including young women and boys, were in Hodan district, especially at Benadir intersection and could be heard chanting slogans against the Somali president, calling for free and fair elections.

The demonstrators were later fired upon by a man in plain clothes, believed to be a member of government’s security forces, the man could be seen on a video pointing a pistol at female protestors.

Security forces also arrested two journalists from Goobjoog Radio, according to the station’s management.

The move was strongly condemned by politician Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Opposition Candidates Union, who said it was unfortunate that protesters were being targeted.

This is not the first time security forces in Mogadishu used live ammunition on protesters. But it’s the first time plain clothed security is used in this manner.