By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Good morning from Mogadishu.
This Dawan Africa live page is following the Mogadishu clashes and Somalia's deepening political crisis - minute by minute.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has positioned himself in Abdiaziz District in northern Mogadishu, where his sub-clan has a strong presence, while former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire is based in Howlwadaag District in the south, where his sub-clan is well represented. Both opposition leaders say they are mobilising peaceful protesters; the government views the mobilisation as an assault on Villa Somalia.
Clashes erupted on Wednesday afternoon, with police and opposition forces each accusing the other of attacking first. The fighting stretched through a long night. We pick up the coverage this morning.
6:57 AM — Benadir police say this is an "armed incident," not protests.
The Benadir Regional Police Commissioner, Moalim Mahdi, says security forces are close to completing a major operation in Mogadishu against what he called militias armed with heavy weapons that, according to him, have fired mortars into several neighbourhoods of the capital.
In a statement dated 4 June, the commissioner said there were "no peaceful demonstrations" taking place, describing the situation instead as an armed incident that security agencies were working to bring to an end. He said the armed groups were operating from areas tied to people he characterised as "corrupt elements posing as politicians" who, he alleged, had organised the violence. The statement did not name any individuals.
Mahdi urged residents to stay away from what he described as organised armed acts against security and stability, to cooperate with security forces, and warned that anyone involved would be brought to justice swiftly.
7:13 AM — Khaire says opposition will defend itself after Mogadishu assault allegations.
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire says opposition figures will defend themselves, their communities and their constitutional rights after accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of directing a prolonged military assault in Mogadishu.
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In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Khaire said the assault had continued for more than 20 hours and had targeted him, former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, traditional elders and other political leaders in the capital.
Khaire alleged that heavy weapons, including anti-tank weapons, drones and other military assets, had been used in densely populated urban areas.
He also accused the authorities of disrupting electricity supplies serving thousands of civilians and said state weapons intended for the fight against Al-Shabaab were being used against Somali leaders and citizens.
“We will defend ourselves, our communities, and our constitutional rights,” Khaire said.
8:00Am—U.S. Says Mogadishu Violence Is Reckless, Urges Peaceful Resolution.
The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu has described the violence unfolding in the Somali capital as “reckless,” urging Somali leaders on all sides to preserve stability and resolve political differences peacefully.
In a statement, the embassy warned that actions taken in the coming hours and days could have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity and future.
The statement comes amid rising tensions and reports of armed clashes in Mogadishu, where the Federal Government and opposition figures have accused each other of initiating the confrontation.