Heavy gunfire broke out in central Mogadishu on Wednesday after Somalia's former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claimed he was attacked by government forces while preparing for planned protests.

"An attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired," Khaire said in a social media post, adding they had been preparing for a "peaceful demonstration" the following day.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud "bears full responsibility for today's violent attack on our consultative meeting," Khaire stated. Somalia has plunged into another political crisis after Mohamud announced a one-year term extension following its expiry on May 15.

The opposition and regional leaders rejected the move, with demonstrations scheduled for Thursday. Khaire relocated from the fortified green zone near the airport to his city residence to participate.

An AFP journalist filmed panicked residents in the Howl Wadaag district as loud gunshots rang out. Witnesses reported clashes between armed opposition forces and Somali police.

"The shooting lasted about 15 minutes. They even used RPGs, and explosions were heard across neighboring neighborhoods," said witness Saleban Mahad.

The president has been attempting to move Somalia toward democratic elections, but the country remains deeply divided among clans, with much territory under al-Shabab control. Foreign powers, primarily the US and UK, have unsuccessfully tried to broker talks.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also moved into central Mogadishu for the protest. He criticized the attack on Khaire, saying the president "seeks to cause further bloodshed despite not having a legitimate official mandate."

Source: www.aljazeera.com