Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests
Police and opposition forces traded fire near former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire's home as he joined protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's mandate extension.
- On Wednesday, heavy gunfire erupted in Mogadishu's Howl Wadaag district near the residence of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, forcing residents to flee ahead of planned protests.
- The violence stems from a political crisis surrounding President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose official term expired May 15, yet he announced a one-year extension that opposition leaders reject as centralizing power.
- Khaire alleged, "An attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired." Witnesses reported the shooting lasted about 15 minutes and involved RPGs.
- Ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed moved into central Mogadishu for Thursday's protest, criticizing the president for seeking to "cause further bloodshed despite not having a legitimate official mandate."
- International partners including the United Nations and European Union urged Somali leaders to return to dialogue, warning that escalation distracts security forces from counter-insurgency operations against Al-Shabaab.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests
Government troops and militias allied with the opposition exchanged fire overnight and on Thursday morning in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, damaging property and forcing some civilians to flee, residents told Reuters.
The Hamilton Spectator
The RecordArmed clashes erupt in Somalia’s capital ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Supporters of opposition political figures and state security forces fought in armed clashes Thursday that erupted in Somalia's capital Mogadishu on Wednesday evening ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration.
Ottumwa Courier
Armed clashes erupt in Somalia's capital ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration
Supporters of opposition political figures and state security forces fought in armed clashes that erupted in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. No official casualty figures were immediately available from the violence that began Wednesday evening and…
Somalia: Armed Clashes Erupt in Mogadishu As Somalia Political Crisis Deepens
Mogadishu -- Heavy fighting erupted in parts of Mogadishu on Wednesday as forces aligned with Somalia's government and opposition forces exchanged gunfire in a dramatic escalation of a political standoff that has pushed the Horn of Africa nation closer to instability, residents said.
While the presidential camp believes that the head of state, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, is automatically extended for a year, the opposition considers that this reform is a way for him to cling to power.
Mogadishu residents flee as gunfire breaks out near house of former Somali PM
Residents of Mogadishu’s Howl Wadaag district fled in panic as gunfire broke out near the house of former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Khaire said he was attacked by government forces ahead of planned protests.
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