Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire Reports Attack Ahead of Planned Protests
On Wednesday, heavy gunfire erupted in central Mogadishu as Somalia’s former prime minister, Hassan Ali Khaire, said he was targeted by government forces shortly before a scheduled opposition demonstration. The incident took place in the Howl Wadaag district, near Khaire’s residence, and prompted residents to flee the area amid the sound of automatic weapons and rocket‑propelled grenades.
Background: Political Crisis and Term Extension
Somalia’s current political turmoil began after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced on May 15 that his term in office would be extended by one year. The decision followed a parliamentary vote that approved a new constitution in March, which Mohamud argued granted him an additional year to oversee democratic elections.
Opposition parties and several regional leaders rejected the extension, arguing that it undermines the country’s transitional framework and concentrates power in the presidency. In response, they called for peaceful protests to demand a return to the original electoral timetable.
Details of the Gunfire Incident in Howl Wadaag
According to an AFP journalist on the scene, residents of Howl Wadaag were seen running for cover as gunfire rang out near Khaire’s home. Witness Saleban Mahad told the agency that the exchange lasted roughly fifteen minutes and involved both small‑arms fire and RPGs, with explosions audible in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Khaire took to social media shortly after the clash, stating that “an attack was launched against us by troops under the command of the president, whose term has expired.” He added that his supporters had prepared for a peaceful demonstration the following day.
Reactions from Opposition and Former Leaders
The gunfire drew swift condemnation from opposition figures. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who joined the protests in central Mogadishu on Thursday, denounced the assault on Khaire, saying the president was “trying to cause further bloodshed despite having no legitimate official mandate.” Ahmed warned that the violence would not deter citizens from protesting injustice, displacement, and the abuse of state power.
Other opposition leaders echoed these sentiments, calling for an immediate investigation into the use of force against civilians and urging international partners to press for restraint.
Broader Context: Election Plans and Challenges
President Mohamud has framed his term extension as a necessary step toward holding nationwide elections, a goal that has remained elusive due to clan rivalries, the persistent threat of Al‑Shabaab, and limited administrative capacity outside of a few stabilized areas. While the government points to localized voting exercises as progress, critics argue that the extension is a power‑consolidation tactic rather than a genuine effort to democratize.
International actors, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, have repeatedly attempted to mediate talks between the federal government and the opposition bloc, yet a lasting agreement has not materialized. The situation recalls the previous administration of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who remained in office for more than a year after his official term ended in 2021, triggering similar protests and international criticism.
Conclusion
The clash in Howl Wadaag underscores the fragility of Somalia’s current political landscape. As opposing sides prepare for further demonstrations, the need for credible, transparent dialogue becomes increasingly urgent. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the incident prompts a de‑escalation or deepens the divide between the government and its critics.
