MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn Post) Heavy fighting erupted in parts of Mogadishu on Thursday as tensions between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups escalated ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration.
Witnesses reported sustained gunfire in several districts of the capital, including areas around Dabka Junction, Sayidka, Siigaale and Waberi, raising concerns about a further deterioration of the political crisis.
The violence comes amid a deepening dispute over Somalia’s political and constitutional process. Opposition leaders argue that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud no longer has a valid mandate following the expiration of his term, while the federal government maintains that constitutional changes approved through official processes provide a legal basis for continued governance.
Reports from Mogadishu indicated that security forces and armed supporters linked to opposition figures exchanged fire in multiple locations throughout the day. The exact circumstances surrounding the clashes remain unclear, and casualty figures have not been independently confirmed.
Opposition sources alleged that security forces targeted locations associated with prominent opposition leaders, including former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Government officials have denied allegations that security forces carried out attacks on opposition leaders’ residences.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said in a statement that government forces attacked a gathering he was attending in Mogadishu’s Hodan district. He claimed the incident resulted in casualties, although no official figures were immediately available.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s police spokesperson said security forces had come under attack from what he described as armed militia groups near Dabka Junction and that government troops repelled the assault.
The clashes reportedly intensified shortly after armed supporters aligned with opposition figures conducted a show of force near areas close to the presidential compound, according to local accounts.
By late evening, fighting had largely subsided, but tensions remained high across the capital. No agreement had been announced to resolve the standoff, while opposition groups continued preparations for a planned demonstration.
The United States and other international partners have previously urged Somali political stakeholders to resolve disputes through dialogue and warned against the use of violence to settle political disagreements.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
