Fighting in Somalia’s capital as anger over election delay erupts
Summary
Violence broke out in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, between government forces and militias linked to the opposition ahead of protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s extension of his term. The clashes caused damage, forced people to flee, and delayed elections, leading to political tension in an already unstable country.Key Facts
- Fighting started on Wednesday and continued into Thursday in Mogadishu.
- The violence was linked to protests against the president’s decision to extend his term after it expired.
- The opposition accuses the president of trying to centralize power; the government denies this.
- Residents reported gunfire, explosions, and mortar shells hitting neighborhoods.
- Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said government forces used heavy weapons meant for fighting al-Shabab militants.
- There were no official casualty reports, but witnesses described injuries and burning buildings.
- The African Union, European Union, and US embassy called for calm and expressed concern about civilian safety.
- Somalia has a history of political instability and conflict with the armed group al-Shabab since 2007.
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