Fresh armed violence has shaken Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, as clashes between supporters of opposition political figures and national state security forces broke out Wednesday evening, just one day ahead of a scheduled anti-government demonstration. No official casualty statistics have been released in the immediate aftermath of the fighting, which has drawn urgent calls for de-escalation from both the United Nations and the United States, as the two rival political factions trade blame for the unrest.
Local residents across multiple affected neighborhoods reported sustained heavy gunfire and loud explosions throughout the confrontation. Abdullahi Mohamed, a resident of Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag district, described widespread panic forcing residents to flee their homes. “We heard heavy weapons fire, and people were fleeing their homes,” Mohamed said. “Many families left the area looking for safer places.”
Opposition leaders say their planned Thursday rally was organized to protest what they claim are unconstitutional violations by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, including unilateral efforts to extend his time in office. The president’s administration has flatly denied all of these allegations.
In an official statement, Mogadishu police framed the unrest as premeditated “organized attacks” carried out by armed militias connected to opposition political groups seeking to undermine state authority. “The incidents were not the organization of peaceful public demonstrations, but rather coordinated armed acts that directly threatened the security, order and stability of the capital,” the police statement read. Security forces successfully repelled attacks on their outposts, authorities confirmed, adding that investigations are already underway to identify all individuals involved in organizing, funding, and executing the violent actions.
Opposition leaders have pushed back with a competing narrative, accusing security forces of launching unprovoked attacks on residential properties tied to two top opposition figures: former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. “We are under attack,” Khaire said in his own statement. “For the second time in less than 24 hours, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed armed forces against our peaceful gatherings.” Khaire added that the attack took place while traditional elders, politicians, and community leaders were gathered at his residence for a meeting. The Somali government has rejected this version of events entirely.
The United Nations quickly voiced alarm over the outbreak of violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed the clashes have left civilians dead and injured, alongside widespread damage to critical public infrastructure. “The Secretary-General strongly condemns all acts of violence and incitement to violence undertaken for political advantage,” Guterres’ statement read. He also called on all parties to immediately exercise maximum restraint, prioritize the safety of civilian populations, and resolve long-running political disagreements through constructive dialogue.
The United States echoed that concern, with the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu labeling the violence “reckless” and urging all Somali political leaders to pursue a peaceful negotiated resolution. “Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means,” the embassy said in a statement. “Actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future.”
Khaire further alleged that Mohamud has redirected military resources trained and equipped by international allies – originally intended to combat the al-Shabab extremist insurgency – to target political opposition figures.
The latest clashes underscore a steady erosion of trust and deepening political rift between Mohamud’s administration and opposition leaders, driven by long-running disputes over the country’s electoral framework and constitutional future. This internal tension comes as Somalia continues its years-long campaign to defeat al-Shabab, while working to build durable democratic state institutions with extensive support from the international community.