Armed clashes in Mogadishu ahead of planned anti-government protest
8 reported1 unconfirmed1 conflicting
Armed clashes between supporters of opposition political figures and state security forces erupted in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. No official casualty figures were immediately available. Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions in several neighborhoods, with many families fleeing their homes. The United Nations and the United States called for restraint as the government and opposition traded blame for the violence. Opposition figures said the planned rally was intended to protest what they call constitutional violations and efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his tenure, allegations the government rejected. Mogadishu police described the violence as “organized attacks” by armed militias linked to groups pursuing political interests, while opposition leaders accused security forces of attacking residences linked to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The U.N. Secretary-General said the violence resulted in deaths, injuries to civilians, and damage to critical infrastructure.
What’s reported
Clashes began Wednesday evening and continued Thursday in Mogadishu.
No official casualty figures were immediately available.
Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions in several neighborhoods.
The U.N. and U.S. called for restraint.
Opposition figures said the planned rally protested alleged constitutional violations and efforts by President Mohamud to extend his tenure; the government rejected those allegations.
Mogadishu police said the violence stemmed from “organized attacks” by armed militias linked to groups pursuing political interests.
Opposition leaders accused security forces of attacking residences linked to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The U.N. Secretary-General said the violence resulted in deaths, injuries to civilians, and damage to critical infrastructure.
Conflicting accounts
The government and opposition traded blame for the violence. Mogadishu police described the clashes as “organized attacks” by armed militias, while opposition leaders accused security forces of attacking residences linked to opposition figures. The government disputed the opposition’s account.
Open questions
No official casualty figures were provided. It is unclear who organized, financed, and carried out the violence, as police said investigations were launched.
Key figures
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire
Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres
Abdullahi Mohamed (resident of Howlwadaag district)
Sources: abcnews.com
