Heavy gunfire and mortar attacks rocked several neighborhoods of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, as government forces and opposition fighters clashed over a dispute regarding delayed elections. The violence erupted after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term expired on May 15 but was extended by a year, a move the opposition deemed unconstitutional.

Police said they were conducting a "large-scale security operation" against "heavily armed militias who launched mortar attacks" in some areas. Residents reported sustained gunfire throughout the night, with mortar shells landing on houses, injuring at least one mother.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire claimed he was attacked by government forces while preparing for "peaceful" demonstrations. "The responsibility for any casualties or damage resulting from this incident lies with the president whose term has expired," he said on X. He called the attack "a grave assault on constitutional rights."

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, an opposition ally, stated they would not be intimidated: "If the President and his soldiers think that we are afraid or that we will flee, we are not going to run away."

The capital has since calmed, though sporadic gunfire persists in some districts. The Civil Aviation Authority denied flight disruptions, confirming normal operations at Aden Adde Airport.

The US embassy described the violence as "reckless" and urged all sides to preserve stability. The regional bloc IGAD condemned the violence, while the EU delegation called for a consensus on an election roadmap.

Mohamud, elected by parliament in 2022, previously served as president from 2012-2017. He has been pushing for direct democratic elections, but the opposition rejects the constitutional amendment extending his term and argues that new electoral laws are not inclusive.

Source: www.bbc.com