Escalating political and security tensions are complicating the Somali scene in Mogadishu.

Written by: Mohammed Omran

In a dangerous political and security escalation that portends a new phase of unrest in SomaliaThe capital, Mogadishu, witnessed violent armed clashes between government security forces and supporters of prominent opposition figures in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace and various parts of the city, resulting in deaths and injuries and raising local and international concerns about the country sliding into a deeper political and security crisis.

These developments came against the backdrop of escalating disputes between the government and the opposition over the constitutional and electoral process, amid accusations that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is seeking to extend his stay in power, accusations which the government categorically denies, while international calls continue for restraint and resorting to dialogue to avoid undermining the fragile stability that Somalia is trying to establish in the face of ongoing security challenges.

Escalating political and security tensions are complicating the Somali scene in Mogadishu.

Residents of Mogadishu's Howl Wadag district fled after hearing gunfire near the home of former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Khaire said in a social media post that he was attacked by government forces ahead of planned protests.

Heavy gunfire erupted in central Mogadishu on Wednesday, with former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire saying he was attacked by government forces ahead of planned protests.

Somalia entered another political crisis after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced an extension of his term for a year, after it was due to end on May 15.

Bullets precede protests as the opposition challenges the president in Mogadishu.

The opposition and regional leaders rejected the move, and demonstrations were planned for Thursday.

The former prime minister moved from his residence in the heavily fortified Green Zone surrounding the airport to his residence in the city, in order to participate in the protests.

“Forces led by the outgoing president launched an attack on us,” Khair said in a social media post, adding that they had been preparing for a ”peaceful demonstration” the following day.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that they saw armed opposition forces clashing with Somali police, with the shooting lasting for about 15 minutes before it stopped. They even used RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), and the sound of explosions could be heard throughout the surrounding neighborhoods.

Abdullah Mohammed, who lives in the city's Holwadag neighborhood, said: "We heard the sound of heavy gunfire, and people were fleeing their homes. Many families left the area in search of safer places.".

Election plan

The president seeks to push Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing the existing system based on tribal elders.

Mahmoud claims he was given an extra year in the presidency when parliament passed a new constitution in March that set the general framework for elections, but with the country deeply divided between rival clans, and much of it under the control of al-Shabaab, an Islamist insurgent group, there has been little progress in organizing elections except in some local pockets.

Armed clashes in Mogadishu amid accusations that the president is expanding his political influence

The opposition and regional leaders strongly opposed Mahmoud's plan, viewing it as an attempt to concentrate power.

Foreign powers, led by the United States and Britain, have tried to mediate talks between the government and the opposition, but with little success.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also traveled to central Mogadishu to participate in Thursday's protests.

He criticized the attack on Khairi, saying that the president “is seeking to cause more bloodshed despite not having a legitimate official mandate.”.

He said on the X platform: “This attack will not stop the demonstrations organized by the residents of the capital who are protesting against injustice, displacement and abuse of government power.”.

Former presidents have continued in their positions after their term ended.

Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo remained in office for more than a year after his official term ended in 2021, leading to violence and condemnation from the international community.

Official figures for casualties were not immediately available from the violence, which prompted the United Nations and the United States to call for restraint, as the government and the opposition traded accusations over the violence.

The police said in a statement: “These incidents were not organized peaceful public demonstrations, but rather coordinated armed acts that directly threaten the security, order and stability of the capital.”.

Police explained that state security forces repelled attacks on their positions and launched investigations to identify those responsible for organizing, financing, and carrying out the acts of violence.

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

The United Nations expressed grave concern over the clashes, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying the violence had resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, as well as damage to vital infrastructure.

The UN Secretary-General explained in a statement: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and incitement to violence committed for political gain.”.

Guterres also called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and resolve political differences through dialogue.

The US embassy in Mogadishu described the violence as "reckless" and urged Somali leaders to seek a peaceful solution.

The embassy stressed that “Somali leaders from all sides bear the responsibility of maintaining stability and resolving disputes by peaceful means.”.