Wednesday June 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — A brief gunfight broke out Wednesday afternoon at Dabka junction in Mogadishu between government forces and security guards of the former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, hours before planned opposition demonstrations in the capital.
Videos and photos shared on social media appeared to show heavy gunfire in the area. The number of casualties was not immediately known, and the federal government has not issued an official statement on the incident.
“Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose presidential mandate constitutionally expired on May 15, 2026, bears full responsibility for today’s violent attack on our consultative meeting,” Khaire said.
He said the meeting brought together more than 70 traditional elders, including Ugaas Abdirizak, Ugaas Abdullahi and Ugaas Hashi, as well as members of Parliament and opposition representatives.
Khaire accused the government of trying to intimidate opposition figures ahead of Thursday’s planned demonstrations.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” Khaire said. “This attack is a grave assault on the constitutional rights of Somali citizens and a deliberate attempt to suppress peaceful assembly.”
He said the incident occurred as opposition leaders and traditional elders were preparing for what he described as a “Peace Assembly” scheduled for Thursday, following months of reconciliation dialogue with political and community stakeholders.
“Somalia’s future must be built on dialogue, consensus and constitutional order — not force and repression. Those responsible will be held accountable,” Khaire said.
The clash came hours after the Banadir Regional Administration and Mogadishu Municipality said opposition groups would be allowed to hold demonstrations Thursday, but only at designated locations and under strict security conditions.
Authorities approved rallies at Banadir Stadium in Abdiaziz district, Mogadishu Stadium in Warta Nabadda district and Jaamacadaha area in Hodan district.
Officials said protesters would not be allowed to carry weapons and warned that any action that could incite unrest or disrupt public order would be prohibited.
Opposition leaders have rejected government efforts to restrict demonstrations to limited venues, arguing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and should be allowed across the capital.
Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Tuesday that opposition groups would not accept attempts to confine rallies to a single location. He called on residents to take part in the demonstrations.
The planned protests come amid rising political tension over elections, constitutional changes and the country’s political transition. Opposition leaders accuse Mohamud’s government of pushing through reforms without consensus, while federal officials say they are moving Somalia toward one-person, one-vote elections and must protect public order in Mogadishu.
