Heavy gunfire rocked Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. Government forces and opposition fighters clashed. This happened as anger over delayed elections grew.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term officially ended on May 15. A law then extended his term by one year. The opposition called this extension unconstitutional. They planned peaceful protests for Thursday. Gunfire was heard in multiple neighbourhoods. It continued through Thursday night. Residents reported the sounds.
Police stated they were busy with a large security operation. They targeted heavily armed militias. These groups had launched mortar attacks. Talks between the federal government and opposition leaders failed. No agreement was reached. President Mohamud aims for democratic elections. This is a shift from the old system. Clan elders used to choose lawmakers. Lawmakers then chose the president. Somalia last had a popular vote in 1969. The country suffered civil war for decades.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire reported an attack. Government forces targeted him. He was preparing for the planned protests. He blamed the president for any harm. "The responsibility for any casualties or damage resulting from this incident lies with the president whose term has expired," Khaire stated on X. He called the attack a serious blow to citizens' rights. He said it aimed to stop peaceful assembly. The number of injured or deceased is not yet known. The president has not yet commented.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also spoke on X. He assured followers the protests would proceed. "If the President and his soldiers think that we are afraid or that we will flee, we are not going to run away," he said. The US embassy in Mogadishu called the violence reckless. It urged leaders to maintain stability. They should resolve differences peacefully. The events in Mogadishu highlight deep political divisions. These divisions threaten Somalia's fragile progress. Economic stability is linked to political calm.