Somali military and opposition-allied militias trade fire ahead of anti-government protests
Heavy gunfire and mortar attacks left civilians fleeing as police said armed militias launched organized assaults and investigations were underway.
- 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.
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62 Articles
Eye on Africa - Somalia's capital rocked by gunfire
In tonight's edition, opposition figures in Somalia accuse security forces of attacking them at a meeting at the former PM's house. Also, critics of an African family values conference say that despite its purported push for the continent to define its own moral principles and priorities, the gathering in Ghana will roll back LGBT rights. And Nigeria’s National Museum is drawing a new generation of visitors to a revamped gallery that encourage…
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Daily Telegraph NZSomalia erupts ahead of anti-government rally
Opposition leaders have accused security forces of targeting political opponents Сlashes erupted in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu for a second consecutive day on Thursday, as security forces and opposition supporters exchanged fire ahead of a planned anti-government rally. Residents reported heavy gunfire, explosions, and civilians fleeing affected neighborhoods, while no official casualty figures were immediately released. Former Somali Prime …
Washington Top News
Clashes erupt in Somalia’s capital ahead of a planned anti-government rally
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia’s opposition supporters and security forces clashed in the capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday for a second day ahead of a planned anti-government demonstration. No official casualty figures were immediately available from the clashes that prompted calls for restraint from the United Nations and the United States as the government and opposition traded blame for the violence. Residents reported heavy gunfire and exp…
Violence broke out on the eve of protests planned for this Thursday against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to remain in office after the end of his term in May.
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