Heavy gunfire erupted in central Mogadishu on Wednesday after Somalia's former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claimed he was attacked by government forces while preparing for planned protests. The incident marks a significant escalation in the country's ongoing political crisis.
Background of the Crisis
Somalia has plunged into a new political turmoil following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's announcement that his term, which was due to expire on May 15, would be extended by an additional year. This move has been widely rejected by opposition parties and regional leaders, who have called for demonstrations to challenge the extension.
Khaire, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020, relocated from his base in the heavily fortified green zone near the airport to his residence in the city to participate in the protests. In a social media post, he stated, "An attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired." He emphasized that they were preparing for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for the following day.
Witness Accounts
An AFP journalist captured footage of panicked residents in the Howl Wadaag district near Khaire's home, with loud gunshots audible in the background. Witnesses reported seeing armed opposition forces clashing with Somali police. One witness, Saleban Mahad, described the scene: "The shooting lasted for about 15 minutes before it subsided. They even used RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades), and the sound of the explosions could be heard across the surrounding neighbourhoods."
Gunfire was also reported near the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, close to the popular Lido Beach area. Resident Mohamed Ali told AFP, "We are staying inside our homes, and there is very little movement on the roads, even though the fighting has stopped." The exact cause of the clash remains unclear.
Government Response
The government condemned the incident, blaming the violence on "armed opposition group militias" organized by Khaire, who they claim "directly targeted a police facility." A statement posted on X said an investigation had been launched and reiterated that the government "will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the security of the capital city."
Election Plan and Opposition
President Mohamud has been attempting to transition Somalia toward democratic elections, moving away from the traditional clan-based system. He argues that the extension was justified by a new constitution passed by parliament in March, which set the framework for polls. However, with the country deeply divided among rival clans and large areas controlled by the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab, progress on organizing elections has been limited to a few localized pockets.
Opposition and regional leaders strongly oppose Mohamud's plan, viewing it as an attempt to centralize power. Foreign powers, primarily the United States and Britain, have attempted to mediate talks between the government and opposition, but with little success.
Reactions and Historical Context
Former President Ahmed, who has also moved into central Mogadishu for Thursday's protest, criticized the attack on Khaire. He stated on X that the president "seeks to cause further bloodshed despite not having a legitimate official mandate." He added, "This attack will not stop the demonstrations by residents of the capital who are protesting against injustice, displacement, and the abuse of government power."
This is not the first time a Somali president has remained in office beyond their mandate. The previous president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, stayed more than a year after his term ended in 2021, triggering violence and international condemnation. The current crisis threatens to further destabilize the country, which has been grappling with political instability, clan conflicts, and insurgency for decades.
