Somalias Political Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Clashes in Mogadishu

Violence Erupts in Mogadishu Ahead of Somali Elections

A shooting incident occurred on Wednesday in the Hawl Wadaag district of Mogadishu, Somalia, leaving residents shaken. The gunfire broke out near the homes of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who are among opposition leaders planning to organize protests against what they claim is an illegal term extension by incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The government has stated that the planned protests will undermine security in the city. As a result, hundreds of families have fled their neighborhoods near the fighting area, and many central areas of Mogadishu have emptied. The sudden violence has ended a period of improving security in the city.

Security forces have sealed Maka al-Mukarama Road, one of Mogadishu’s main arteries, while Bakara market, the largest commercial hub in the city, is effectively closed for business. Ali Wardheere, deputy central bank governor, estimates that the direct cost to businesses and services is approximately $3.8 million.

The opposition has rejected the constitutional amendments approved by parliament, which extended President Mohamud’s mandate by an additional year from May 15. The two most influential federal states have also rejected the amendments, leaving the country divided over the constitutional framework governing the next election.

President Mohamud declared that his administration will press ahead with its plans despite the opposition’s rejection of the amendments. The situation remains tense, and residents are living in fear of further disruptions.

Source: Al Jazeera