MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Violence broke out Wednesday night between opposition supporters and government security forces in Somalia’s capital city of Mogadishu, occurring just hours before a scheduled protest against the current administration.
Casualty numbers from the fighting were not immediately released, though the violence prompted both the United Nations and United States to call for calm as government officials and opposition leaders pointed fingers at each other for starting the conflict.
Local residents described hearing intense gunfire and explosions as battles spread across multiple neighborhoods on Wednesday.
“We heard heavy weapons fire, and people were fleeing their homes,” said Abdullahi Mohamed, who lives in the city’s Howlwadaag district. “Many families left the area looking for safer places.”
Opposition leaders stated that Thursday’s planned demonstration was meant to challenge what they describe as constitutional violations and attempts by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend his time in office. Government officials have denied these claims.
Police in Mogadishu characterized the violence as stemming from “organized attacks” conducted by armed militias connected to groups with political motivations.
“The incidents were not the organization of peaceful public demonstrations, but rather coordinated armed acts that directly threatened the security, order and stability of the capital,” the police said in a statement.
According to police, state security forces fought off attacks on their locations and began investigations to determine who was responsible for planning, funding and executing the violence.
Opposition figures claimed that security forces targeted homes associated with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
“We are under attack,” Khaire said in a statement. “For the second time in less than 24 hours, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed armed forces against our peaceful gatherings.”
Khaire reported that traditional elders, politicians, and community leaders were gathered at his home when the attack took place.
Government officials disputed this version of events.
The U.N. expressed serious concern about the fighting. Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the violence caused deaths, civilian injuries, and damage to essential infrastructure.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and incitement to violence undertaken for political advantage,” he said in a statement. Guterres also called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians and resolve political differences through dialogue.
The U.S. also expressed worry about the conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu called the violence “reckless” and pushed for Somali leaders to find a peaceful solution.
“Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means,” the embassy said. “Actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future.”
Khaire accused the president of using government security forces against political rivals and claimed that troops trained and equipped by international allies to combat the al-Shabab extremist group had been turned against opposition members.
The fighting highlights increasing political tensions as disagreements over the nation’s electoral and constitutional future have created growing friction between government and opposition leadership. Somalia remains engaged in fighting al-Shabab while working to build stronger government institutions with help from international allies.
