Gunfire erupts in Mogadishu as ex-PM accuses president's forces of attack before protests

Heavy gunfire broke out in Mogadishu on Wednesday as Somalia's former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire accused government forces of attacking him ahead of planned anti-government protests.

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An attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired.

Khaire stated on social media that forces commanded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term has expired, launched the attack. He asserted that Mohamud "bears full responsibility for today’s violent attack on our consultative meeting." The protests were scheduled for Thursday.

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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud “bears full responsibility for today’s violent attack on our consultative meeting”.

Somalia is facing a political crisis after Mohamud announced a one-year term extension, a move rejected by the opposition and regional leaders. Khaire, who had relocated to his Mogadishu residence to participate in the protests, reported that RPGs and gunshots were heard near his home.

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The shooting lasted for about 15 minutes before it subsided. They even used RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades], and the sound of the explosions could be heard across the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Witnesses described clashes between armed opposition forces and Somali police. The president's office has not yet commented on the incident. Mohamud has been working to transition Somalia toward democratic elections, replacing a system based on clan elders. However, progress has been slow due to internal divisions and the presence of the al-Shabab militant group.

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This attack will not stop the demonstrations by residents of the capital who are protesting against injustice, displace