Mogadishu: Somalia has been plunged into a fresh political and security crisis after armed clashes broke out in the capital Mogadishu between government forces and militias aligned with opposition leaders, raising fears of wider instability in the Horn of Africa nation.
The fighting erupted on June 4, just ahead of planned anti government demonstrations organized by opposition groups that have been challenging the legitimacy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration. Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions in several parts of the city as tensions that had been building for months finally spilled into open confrontation.
Witnesses said clashes occurred in the Howlwadaag and Abdiasis districts of Mogadishu, with security forces exchanging fire with opposition allied fighters. Several homes and buildings were reportedly damaged during the fighting, while frightened families fled their neighborhoods in search of safer locations. Local residents described scenes of panic as roads were blocked and security forces moved into key areas of the capital.
The violence comes amid a bitter dispute over constitutional reforms and election arrangements. Opposition leaders argue that President Mohamud's term expired in May and accuse the government of using constitutional amendments to remain in power without holding timely elections. They claim the changes were introduced without sufficient political consensus and undermine Somalia's democratic process.
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, one of the leading opposition figures, accused government forces of targeting his residence during the unrest. He alleged that the administration had altered the country's constitution in a manner that violated democratic principles. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also criticized the government, claiming that heavy weapons had been used in civilian areas and that opposition leaders were being targeted.
Government officials have not publicly addressed those specific accusations. However, the administration has previously defended its reform agenda, arguing that constitutional changes are necessary to modernize Somalia's political system and create a more stable framework for future elections.
Political tensions have been rising steadily throughout the year. Opposition groups have staged protests and public campaigns demanding dialogue over electoral reforms and constitutional issues. Earlier demonstrations in Mogadishu resulted in casualties after security forces dispersed crowds, further deepening mistrust between the government and its critics.
The latest violence has drawn concern from international partners who have invested heavily in Somalia's stability and reconstruction efforts over the past two decades. The United States condemned the violence and urged all parties to exercise restraint. Other international partners, including the United Nations and the United Kingdom, have called for immediate dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the political dispute.
Analysts warn that the crisis could have serious consequences for Somalia's security situation. The country continues to battle the extremist group Al Shabaab, which remains capable of carrying out deadly attacks despite ongoing military operations. Political divisions and instability in Mogadishu could divert attention and resources away from the fight against the insurgency.
There are also concerns that prolonged unrest could deepen divisions between the federal government and regional administrations, some of which have already expressed dissatisfaction with recent constitutional reforms and power sharing arrangements.
As of Thursday evening, authorities had not released official casualty figures from the clashes. Security forces remained deployed across strategic locations in Mogadishu, while opposition groups continued preparations for demonstrations and renewed calls for political negotiations.
The situation remains highly tense, with many Somalis fearing that unless meaningful dialogue takes place soon, the country could face a prolonged period of political uncertainty at a time when stability is urgently needed to address security, economic and humanitarian challenges.