Heavy gunfire erupts in Somali capital ahead of opposition protests

Residents of Somalia’s capital reported a night of fear and disruption after heavy gunfire and clashes broke out across Mogadishu ahead of planned opposition protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as reported by Africa News via AFP, on June 4th.

Smoke was seen rising over parts of the city as security forces deployed reinforcements and armoured vehicles to key areas. Fighting began on June 3rd as opposition leaders arrived in the capital and continued intermittently throughout the night into the morning.

Local residents described a tense atmosphere. One witness said many people were unable to sleep because of the sound of gunfire, while heavier fighting was reported early on June 4th.

Police said they had launched a large-scale security operation against heavily armed militias accused of firing mortar rounds into neighbourhoods of the city. Witnesses, however, reported clashes between opposition-aligned fighters and government security forces in several districts.

There were no immediate official reports of casualties, although a security analyst said mortars and heavy-calibre weapons had been used and suggested civilians may have been caught up in the violence. By mid-morning, reports indicated the fighting had eased as government and opposition representatives entered negotiations.

The unrest comes amid a growing political crisis sparked by President Mohamud’s decision in May to extend his term in office by one year. His mandate was originally due to expire on May 15th, but he argues that constitutional reforms passed by parliament earlier this year effectively granted him additional time in office.

Opposition figures and regional leaders have strongly opposed the move, viewing it as an attempt to centralise power. Demonstrations against the extension had been planned for June 4th.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, one of the opposition figures expected to participate in the protests, accused government forces of attacking his residence after he relocated from a secure area near the airport. In a social media post, he claimed security forces had carried out a military assault aimed at killing him.

International partners have voiced alarm over the escalating tensions. The United States Embassy in Mogadishu condemned the violence as reckless, while the European Union, United Nations and British Embassy issued a joint statement describing the clashes as deeply concerning and urging dialogue between rival factions.

Africa News via AFP, Maghrebi.org