Mogadishu clashes deepen Somalia’s political crisis ahead of opposition protests
Fighting broke out in Mogadishu between government forces and opposition aligned militias ahead of planned anti government protests, with former leaders accusing the state of attacking their residences.
Armed clashes broke out in Mogadishu on Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday morning, as Somalia’s political crisis moved from a dispute over elections and constitutional changes into street violence.
Reuters reported that government forces traded fire with militias aligned with opposition leaders in the Howlwadag and Abdiasis districts. Residents said thousands of government troops had been deployed in parts of the capital.
The violence came ahead of planned anti government protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose opponents accuse him of extending his mandate after parliament approved constitutional changes allowing elections to be delayed.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said government forces attacked him before the demonstrations. In a post on X, he accused troops of using heavy weapons, including anti tank weapons and drones, in a densely populated area. Reuters said it could not independently verify the claim.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also accused the government of attacking his home and changing the constitution unlawfully. Gunfire was reported near residences linked to both former leaders, according to Reuters and AP.
The government disputed the opposition account. AP reported that authorities blamed the violence on organised attacks by politically motivated armed militias and said investigations had been launched.
Residents described civilians fleeing, homes hit by mortar fire and at least two armoured vehicles destroyed. Reuters quoted witnesses saying a mortar shell struck a neighbour’s house, injuring a woman, while another nearby house was burning.
The United States embassy in Mogadishu called the violence “reckless” and said Somali leaders on all sides had a responsibility to preserve stability. The UK also urged restraint and dialogue.
The clashes add a new layer of pressure on a government already fighting al Shabaab, which continues to carry out attacks after nearly two decades of insurgency.