Somalia has been rocked by fierce clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned militias, leaving civilians injured and communities displaced as violence spread through residential areas.

The clashes erupted ahead of planned demonstrations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose decision to remain in office beyond the expiry of his term has triggered mounting political tension and renewed fears of instability in the Horn of Africa nation.

Residents in multiple districts reported sustained exchanges of gunfire, mortar fire, and the deployment of heavy weaponry in densely populated neighbourhoods, as rival forces battled for control of key areas of the capital.

The violence comes after parliament in March approved constitutional changes that could allow Mohamud to extend his mandate by up to a year, effectively postponing national elections.

This move has been fiercely contested by opposition leaders, who accuse the government of undermining democratic norms and consolidating power.

Among the most prominent critics is former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who led Somalia between 2009 and 2012. According to the former President, “the government forces encircled and attacked my house,” adding, “ I am never scared of their aggressive attack, I will fight back.”

His statement added to already heightened tensions in Mogadishu, where opposition leaders have accused the government of escalating its response to dissent through military force rather than political dialogue.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also accused government troops of using heavy weaponry, including anti-tank weapons and drones, in civilian areas.

In a post on X, he noted that the government had launched what he described as “a sustained and indiscriminate military assault” aimed at opposition figures, including himself and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Tensions reportedly began on Wednesday and continued through the night, with thousands of government troops deployed across Mogadishu’s Howlwadag and Abdiasis districts.

Residents said these forces engaged in intense firefights with militias supporting opposition leaders, turning parts of the capital into active conflict zones.

Speaking to a media outlet, a resident of Mogadishu indicated that, “a mortar shell landed on my neighbour’s house, injuring a mother. A big house near us is also ablaze, mortars and other weapons landed on it.”

He added, “in front of our house I see a man injured and carried by hand. Civilians keep on fleeing the war, I see them walking with kids in hand and cursing the two warring groups.”

Another resident also reported that at least two armoured vehicles had been set on fire during the clashes, allegedly by opposition-aligned militias.

Violence and Political Crisis Converge in Somalia’s Capital

Meanwhile, Somalia has endured decades of political instability and armed conflict since the collapse of the central government in 1991 following the fall of long-time autocrat Mohamed Siad Barre.

Since then, the country has struggled with clan-based rivalries, competing political factions, and repeated cycles of violence that have hindered state-building efforts.

In addition to internal political disputes, Somalia continues to face a prolonged insurgency by the al Qaeda-linked militant group al Shabaab, which has waged a nearly two-decade campaign against the government and its international partners.

While government forces have made territorial gains in recent years with support from African Union troops, the security situation in the capital remains volatile.

Owing to the tensions, international concern over the violence has also begun to mount. The United States embassy in Mogadishu has described the unrest as “reckless” and urged Somali leaders to prioritise stability and avoid further escalation.

“Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means.”
US Embassy in Mogadishu

United Kingdom also issued a call for restraint, warning that continued violence could undermine fragile progress toward political reconciliation.

As the clashes continued, many parts of Mogadishu remained tense, with residents reporting sporadic gunfire and military movements across key districts. Businesses closed, streets emptied, and families remained indoors as fears of renewed escalation spread through the capital.

The timing of the violence has raised particular alarm, given its proximity to planned protests against President Mohamud’s extended tenure. Opposition groups have called for mass demonstrations, accusing the government of overreach and constitutional manipulation, while authorities have warned against any actions that could further inflame the situation.

With both political tensions and armed confrontations converging, Somalia now faces yet another test of its fragile governance structures.

The coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether political dialogue can be restored or whether Mogadishu will see further cycles of confrontation and instability.