Mogadishu returns to relative calm after brief period of violence

Fighting in Mogadishu Subsides, but Opposition Remains Unconvinced

A two-day period of violence in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, has come to an end, with government forces declaring that order has been restored in the districts of Abdiaziz and Hawlwadag. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism stated that opposition group militias have been disarmed and removed, allowing civilians to return to their daily lives.

The violence, which began on Wednesday, was sparked by a dispute over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term. The president claims that parliament lawfully extended his term, while the opposition argues that it was a power grab. Both sides blamed each other for the initial outbreak of fighting.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, at least 13 people were killed and 189 wounded during the conflict. Additionally, over 12,500 households fled their homes due to the spreading violence in crowded districts. While the government reports that normal life has resumed, UN officials have warned about the severe humanitarian impact of the fighting.

The opposition, led by former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a former president, had planned a protest for Thursday but ultimately did not go ahead due to the violence. The government rejected the proposal, citing concerns over security in the capital.

After mediation by clan elders, Sheikh Sharif agreed to stop fighting, and his convoy returned to the fortified zone near the airport. Khaire, who reached an agreement with the government on Thursday, was escorted by government security forces back to his other home in the secure airport compound.

The opposition has vowed to continue their fight for timely elections and democratic governance. In a statement, Khaire said that the incident would not deter him from seeking the right for an election to take place in the country as soon as possible. The unrest has had significant economic consequences, with Bakara market shutting down and Maka al-Mukarama Road sealed off.

Source: Al Jazeera