Somalia: Former presidential candidate arrested

By Hassan Istiila

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Somali security forces have arrested a former presidential candidate Abdirahman Abdishakur in a raid on his home in Mogadishu, the security minister told reporters on Monday.

The raid began late on Sunday night at around 11.00 p.m (2000GMT), according to Mohamed Abukar Islow "Dualle".

“Security [forces] attacked a house suspected of preparing for criminal acts, including treason, and destruction of governance. It is prohibited for a citizen to serve foreign interests against the existence of the Somali government," the security minister said in a statement.

Security forces exchanged gunfire with Abdishakur's bodyguards, according to the minister and eyewitnesses,

Local media reported that five body guards were killed. MP Abdifatah Gesey who was present in the house during the raid said he believed Abdishakur's left hand was injured.

Abdishakur, a former planning minister and an outspoken critic of the current government, is the leader of the Wadajir political party.