Somalis protest against blasphemous cartoons on birthday of Prophet Mohammad (SAWA)

Protesters in Somalia's capital Mogadishu gathered on Thursday for a second day to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron and the printing of cartoons attributing to Almighty's Last and Greatest Messenger to mankind, Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny) in France.

According to reports, hundreds of people including religious scholars and youths gathered at a compound of an Islamic learning center to hold Mawlid celebrations, which marks Prophet Mohammad's (SAWA) birthday, and shouted slogans denouncing France and President Macron.

Some protesters carried paper drawings and photographs of Macron which they then burned while others chewed the pictures.

Protests have spread across the Muslim world since Macron made comments about Islam which angered many observers of the faith.

The row has its roots in a knife attack outside a French school on October 16 in which an 18 year student beheaded Samuel Paty, a teacher who had shown pupils the blasphemous cartoons and insulted Islam on the name of the so-called freedom of speech.

While eulogizing the history teacher a few days later, Macron said France would not renounce its display of the blasphemous cartoons.

Macron after Paty’s incident said he will fight "Islamist separatism", claiming it was threatening to take over some Muslim communities in France.

Several world leaders including the Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and other Iranian officials have condemned Macron's recent comments.

Boycotts of French goods have also been called for in some Muslim countries.

SS