Opposition Militias Attack Government Forces in Mogadishu Ahead of Planned Rally

Armed clashes between supporters of opposition political figures and state security forces erupted in Mogadishu on Wednesday evening and continued on Thursday. Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions in several neighborhoods, including the Howlwadaag district, where families fled their homes seeking safer areas.

A planned anti-government demonstration scheduled for Thursday was intended to protest what opposition figures described as constitutional violations and efforts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his tenure.

The government rejected those allegations. On Thursday morning, police patrolled major roads amid a heavy security presence. Mogadishu police stated that the violence stemmed from organized attacks by armed militias linked to groups pursuing political interests.

The police said the incidents were coordinated armed acts that threatened the security, order, and stability of the capital. State security forces repelled attacks on their positions and launched investigations to identify those responsible for organizing, financing, and carrying out the violence.

Opposition leaders accused security forces of attacking residences linked to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

“We are under attack,” Khaire said. ” He added that traditional elders, politicians, and community leaders were meeting at his residence when the attack occurred. The government disputed that account.

N. Secretary-General António Guterres said the violence resulted in deaths, injuries to civilians, and damage to critical infrastructure. “The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and incitement to violence undertaken for political advantage,” he said in a statement.

Guterres called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and resolve political differences through dialogue. S. Embassy in Mogadishu described the violence as reckless and said Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means.

The embassy warned that actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future. Khaire accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of deploying state security forces against political opponents and alleged that troops trained and equipped by international partners to fight al-Shabab had been used against opposition figures.

Disputes over the country’s electoral and constitutional direction have increasingly strained relations between the government and opposition leaders.

Somalia continues to fight al-Shabab while seeking to strengthen state institutions with support from international partners.