Clashes in Somalia's Capital Over Election Delay
Government forces and opposition fighters engaged in heavy gunfire in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, as tensions escalated over the postponement of elections.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term officially ended on 15 May but was extended by one year. The opposition declared this extension unconstitutional and called for protests on Thursday.
Residents reported gunfire in multiple neighborhoods of Mogadishu, continuing throughout the night.
Police stated they were conducting a "large-scale security operation" targeting "heavily armed militias who launched mortar attacks" in certain areas.
Somalia last held a one-person, one-vote election in 1969 and has endured over 30 years of civil war.
Opposition Leaders Report Attacks and Condemn Violence
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire reported being attacked by government forces while preparing for Thursday's planned "peaceful" demonstrations alongside other leaders.
"The responsibility for any casualties or damage resulting from this incident lies with the president whose term has expired," he said on X.
"This attack is a grave assault on the constitutional rights of Somali citizens and a deliberate attempt to suppress peaceful assembly," he added.
The number of casualties remains unknown, and President Mohamud has not issued a statement regarding the violence.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, an ally of Khaire, affirmed the opposition's resolve in a statement on X.
"If the President and his soldiers think that we are afraid or that we will flee, we are not going to run away," he said.
The protests have not yet occurred amid the ongoing clashes. The capital has largely calmed, though sporadic gunfire continues in some districts.
Impact on Civil Aviation and International Reactions
Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority denied reports that the violence disrupted flights, assuring that operations at Mogadishu's Aden Adde Airport remained normal.
"All scheduled flights today at Aden Adde Airport are operating as planned, with no cancellations," the authority stated.
The US embassy in Mogadishu described the violence as "reckless," emphasizing that leaders on all sides "have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means."
Regional bloc IGAD condemned all acts of violence, urging parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to resolve their differences.
The European Union Delegation in Somalia called on leaders to prioritize national interests and reach a "consensus on an election roadmap in the interest of the Somali people."
Background on Political Context and Election Dispute
Mohamud was elected by parliament in 2022, defeating then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, commonly known as Farmajo.
He previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, a period marked by efforts against al-Shabab jihadists, who continue to control significant parts of Somalia.
Following the expiration of Mohamud's term, the federal government and opposition initiated talks but failed to reach an agreement.
Mohamud has sought to transition Somalia toward democratic elections, replacing the system where clan elders select MPs, who then elect the president.
The opposition disputes the method for conducting direct elections and rejects the constitutional amendment passed in March that extended the presidency by one year.
They also contend that recent laws regarding political parties and the appointment of electoral commissioners lacked inclusivity and could undermine fair elections.
Additional reporting by Ibrahim Adan in Mogadishu.
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