Clashes Erupt in Mogadishu Ahead of Opposition Rally

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Supporters of opposition political leaders and security forces continued to clash in Mogadishu on Thursday after violent confrontations the previous evening ahead of a scheduled anti‑government demonstration.

No official casualty figures were released immediately, though the United Nations and the United States urged restraint as the government and opposition exchanged accusations of responsibility for the violence.

Residents reported intense gunfire and explosions as clashes erupted across several neighborhoods on Wednesday.

“We heard heavy weapons fire, and people were fleeing their homes,” said Abdullahi Mohamed, a resident of the Howlwadaag district. “Many families sought safer locations elsewhere.”

Opposition figures said the Thursday rally was organized to protest what they described as constitutional violations and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s attempts to extend his term. The government has denied these allegations.

On Thursday morning, signs of mobilization appeared on the streets, yet a heavy security presence persisted, with police patrolling major thoroughfares.

Mogadishu police attributed the violence to “organized attacks” by armed militias linked to political interests.

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

State security forces repelled attacks on their positions and launched investigations to identify those responsible for organizing, financing, and executing the violence, police said.

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

“We are under attack,” Khaire said in a statement. “For the second time in less than 24 hours, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has ordered armed forces to target our peaceful gatherings.”

Traditional elders, politicians, and community leaders were meeting at Khaire’s residence when the attack occurred, he said.

The government disputed that account.

The United Nations voiced alarm over the clashes. Secretary‑General António Guterres said the violence resulted in deaths, civilian injuries, and damage to critical infrastructure.

“The Secretary‑General strongly condemns all acts of violence and incitement to violence for political gain,” he said in a statement. Guterres also called on all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and resolve political differences through dialogue.

The United States also voiced concern over the fighting. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu described the violence as “reckless” and urged Somali leaders to pursue a peaceful resolution.

“Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means,” the embassy said. “Actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future.”

“The clashes underscore growing political tensions as disputes over the nation’s electoral and constitutional direction have increasingly strained relations between the government and opposition leaders. Somalia continues to combat al‑Shabab while seeking to strengthen state institutions with support from international partners.”

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