Heavy gunfire erupted in central Mogadishu on Wednesday as Somalia’s political crisis escalated ahead of planned anti-government protests, with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claiming he was attacked by government forces.
Residents in the Howl Wadaag district fled their homes as sustained gunfire and explosions were reported near Khaire’s residence, according to eyewitness accounts and an AFP journalist on the scene.
Khaire said in a social media post that forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched an attack on his location as preparations were underway for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Thursday.
“An attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired,” Khaire said, adding that the planned protest was intended to be peaceful.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions following President Mohamud’s announcement that his term had been extended by one year after its expected end date of May 15.
Opposition leaders and several regional authorities have rejected the extension, describing it as unconstitutional and calling for nationwide protests.
Eyewitnesses reported intense clashes between armed opposition supporters and Somali security forces in parts of the capital.
One resident, Saleban Mahad, said the fighting lasted for about 15 minutes and included the use of rocket-propelled grenades, with explosions heard across surrounding neighbourhoods.
“The shooting lasted for about 15 minutes before it subsided. They even used RPGs, and the sound of the explosions could be heard across the surrounding neighbourhoods,” he said.
The unrest reflects deepening divisions within Somalia’s political system, which has long been shaped by clan-based power-sharing arrangements and ongoing security challenges.
President Mohamud has argued that his extended mandate is linked to a new constitution passed by parliament in March, which outlines a framework for future elections.
However, critics say the move is an attempt to centralise power and delay democratic transition.
Somalia continues to face significant instability, with large parts of the country still under the control of the Al-Shabaab Islamist militant group, complicating efforts to organise nationwide elections.
International partners, including the United States and United Kingdom, have attempted to mediate between the government and opposition, but talks have made limited progress.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is also part of the opposition, has relocated to central Mogadishu ahead of Thursday’s planned protest.
He condemned the reported attack on Khaire, accusing the government of attempting to suppress dissent.
“This attack will not stop the demonstrations by residents of the capital who are protesting against injustice, displacement, and the abuse of government power,” he said on X.
Somalia has experienced similar political disputes in the past, including instances where leaders remained in office beyond their constitutional mandates.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo stayed in power for more than a year beyond his official term, a situation that triggered violence and international condemnation.
The latest unrest underscores ongoing concerns about political stability and the future of democratic governance in Somalia.
