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.
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.
8:33Am—Farmaajo Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Attacking Former Leaders’ Homes
Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of ordering attacks on the homes of former leaders in Mogadishu amid ongoing clashes and heightened political tensions in the capital.
In a recorded statement, Farmaajo said the violence had resulted in deaths, injuries and displacement, alleging that security forces targeted the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, where former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, traditional elders and other political figures were gathered.
Farmaajo called the incident a serious violation and urged Hassan Sheikh to halt the fighting and return to political dialogue. He also called for an inclusive electoral process based on broad political consensus.
The former president further appealed to Somalia’s security forces not to take sides in political disputes or carry out orders against former leaders, politicians or civilians.
The remarks come as the Federal Government and opposition figures continue to exchange accusations over the violence in Mogadishu ahead of a planned opposition demonstration.
9:00Am—EU Ambassador Calls for Dialogue Amid Mogadishu Violence
EU Ambassador to Somalia Francesca Di Mauro has called on Somali political leaders to return to dialogue and resolve disputes peacefully following the violence in Mogadishu.
In a statement on X, Di Mauro said the violence was deeply concerning and deplored the casualties reported in the capital. She said Somalis need peace, stability and progress.
The ambassador said the EU and other signatories were reiterating their joint call for political leaders on all sides to avoid further escalation and pursue dialogue.
Her remarks come amid growing international concern over the political tensions and armed violence in Mogadishu.
8:33Am—AmUK Calls for Restraint After Mogadishu Violence
The United Kingdom has expressed deep concern over overnight violence in Mogadishu and called on all Somali parties to exercise restraint.
In a statement, the UK Embassy in Somalia said violence was unacceptable and urged all sides to engage in inclusive and constructive dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully.
The statement comes as the Federal Government and opposition figures continue to exchange accusations following armed clashes in the capital.
10:39Am—IGAD Warns of Rising Tensions in Somalia, Calls for Dialogue
IGAD has expressed deep concern over rising political tensions and unrest in Mogadishu, calling on all Somali political actors to exercise restraint and return to dialogue.
The regional bloc condemned all acts of violence and urged Somali stakeholders to reduce tensions and seek a peaceful, inclusive resolution through dialogue and consensus.
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IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu said preserving peace, stability, national unity and Somalia’s state-building gains was critical, urging all sides to place the interests of the Somali people first.
IGAD also reaffirmed its support for Somalia and said it was ready to assist efforts aimed at strengthening dialogue, national cohesion and lasting stability.
9:57Am—UN Warns Somalia Against Repeat of 2021 Electoral Crisis
The United Nations has warned Somalia against a repeat of the 2021 electoral crisis, urging Somali leaders to stop hostilities and return to dialogue after clashes broke out in Mogadishu.
UNTMIS said it was gravely concerned by the violence and called on all sides to show responsible leadership, cease hostilities and avoid actions that put civilian lives at risk.
The mission said the UN and Somalia’s international partners had repeatedly warned about the danger of renewed political confrontation over the electoral roadmap, adding that those warnings were not heeded.
UNTMIS urged Somali leaders to prioritise the national interest and resume talks that ended on May 15, saying international partners were ready to help facilitate dialogue.
1:15 PM—Mogadishu Mayor Praises Security Forces After Overnight Clashes
Mogadishu Mayor and Banadir Governor Hassan Mohamed Hussein “Muungaab” has praised Somali security forces following overnight clashes in the capital, commending what he described as their efforts to protect civilians, maintain security and uphold state authority.
In a statement, Muungaab said the actions carried out by national forces and security agencies reflected their responsibility to safeguard stability, law and public order in Mogadishu.
He also thanked residents of the capital for their patience and cooperation during what he described as a critical period.
Muungaab said attempts to undermine security, disrupt public order or weaken state authority would not be accepted.
His remarks come after clashes in Mogadishu that have triggered competing accusations between the Federal Government and opposition figures.
1:30 PM—Former PM Khayre Returns to Residence Near Jazeera Hotel
Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre has returned to his residence near the Jazeera Hotel area in Mogadishu after spending several hours in parts of Howlwadaag district.
The reason behind Khayre’s return has not yet been officially disclosed.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions and security concerns in Mogadishu following overnight clashes in the capital.
1:45 PM—African Union Urges Restraint Amid Fighting in Mogadishu
The African Union Commission has expressed serious concern over armed clashes in civilian areas of Mogadishu, calling on all parties to immediately stop the fighting and exercise restraint.
In a statement, the AU urged all sides to protect civilians and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in the capital.
The Commission also called on Somali stakeholders to resolve political differences through dialogue and established constitutional processes.
The AU said it would continue to monitor the situation closely, adding that AUSSOM remains ready to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Somalia.
2:42PM—Puntland Accuses Hassan Sheikh Over Attacks Targeting Former Leaders
Puntland has condemned what it described as attacks targeting former Somali leaders in Mogadishu, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of responsibility for the violence.
In a statement issued after a cabinet meeting chaired by Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, Puntland said it was closely following the political and security situation in the capital.
Puntland accused Hassan Sheikh of responsibility for alleged attacks on the residences of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, saying he would bear responsibility for any resulting casualties or damage.
The administration warned that continued fighting, political repression and pressure on opposition figures could further worsen Somalia’s security and political situation.
Puntland called for an immediate return to political dialogue and agreement on electoral issues, saying a lasting solution could only be reached through negotiation and political consensus.
6:30PM — Benadir Police Say Howlwadaag Fighting Has Ended
The Benadir Regional Police Command said fighting in Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag district has ended, following clashes from yesterday until this morning between forces loyal to former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and government troops.
Benadir Regional Police Commander Mahdi Omar Mumin, known as Moalim Mahdi, told a press conference today that the Howlwadaag fighting was the first phase and had been concluded, while the second phase is in Mirinaayo, where security forces are now heading to complete the operation.
“This operation is phase one. Phase two remains, and that is Mirinayo Vilage. We are heading there now, and it will be concluded,” Moalim Mahdi said.
Police also displayed weapons they said were seized from forces they fought in Howlwadaag. The commander said security directives were not merely verbal orders, but commands followed by action.
“Yesterday is not today; the words we say and the orders we give are not just spoken words, they are followed by action,” he said.
Moalim Mahdi said it was no longer possible to use weapons to pursue political interests or power, warning other parties involved in armed actions.