Gunfire breaks out in Mogadishu amid protests over Somali presidents rule

Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claims that government forces launched an attack on him before planned protests in Mogadishu. In a social media post on Wednesday, Khaire stated that the attack was carried out by forces commanded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term has expired. The former prime minister alleged that they had been preparing for a peaceful demonstration the following day.

Mohamud bears full responsibility for the violent attack on Khaire’s consultative meeting, according to Khaire. Somalia is experiencing another political crisis after Mohamud announced an extension of his term for one year, despite it being due to expire on May 15. The opposition and regional leaders have rejected this move, leading to planned demonstrations on Thursday.

Khaire relocated from his base in the green zone around the airport to his residence in the city to participate in the protests. Witnesses reported seeing armed opposition forces clashing with Somali police in the Howl Wadaag district near Khaire’s home. The shooting lasted for approximately 15 minutes before subsiding, with RPGs used and loud explosions heard.

The president has been attempting to move Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing a system based on clan elders. Mohamud argues that he was given an extra year in the presidency when a new constitution was passed by parliament in March. However, opposition leaders have strongly opposed this plan, seeing it as an attempt to centralize power.

Foreign powers, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have attempted to broker talks between the government and opposition to little avail. Ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has also moved into central Mogadishu for Thursday’s protest, criticizing the attack on Khaire and stating that the president seeks to cause further bloodshed despite not having a legitimate official mandate.

Previous presidents have stayed in office beyond their mandates, including former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who remained in office for over a year after his official term ended in 2021.

Source: Al Jazeera