afrol News, 4 May - Mohamed Dheere, the newly appointed Mayor of the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has used his inaugural speech to ban civilians from carrying guns on the streets. With effect from Friday, only security officers loyal to the government would be allowed to carry weapons in the city.

The ex-warlord believes the move will help bring back stability to Somalia – a country that experiences 16 years of anarchy.

The gun ban came after the government ceased a six-week fatal operation against Islamist insurgency in Mogadishu.

The new Mayor said punishment lies ahead of anyone that fails to comply with the new order.

Mayor Dhere handed over 10 war vehicles to the Minister of Interior for the enforcement of the law and order in the city.

The government’s order has come barely a day after prominent companies in the country entrusted their security in the hands of the government and therefore handed over their guns to the African Union peacekeepers.

Most Somalis buy guns to secure their lives and properties.

The transitional federal government has also banned civilians from driving vehicles with tinted glasses in Mogadishu. It has given owners of such vehicles three days either remove glasses or desist from plying the streets. Security officers would be deployed in the streets to make sure that people comply with government orders.

The new Police Chief, General Abdi Hassan Awale, warned that anyone found driving such vehicles will be viewed as obstacles to peace. He said his office will not have mercy on violators.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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