Thursday June 4, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday of using the national army for political purposes as heavy fighting continued in parts of Mogadishu.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Sharif said government forces had deployed large numbers of troops around his home and nearby areas as opposition groups prepared to hold protests Thursday.
“The national army was created to defend the country and fight the enemy, and should not be used for political pressure,” Sharif said.
The former president said his supporters had been blocked from moving freely, visiting him or accessing his residence. He described the restrictions as a violation of constitutional freedoms.
His remarks came as clashes between government forces and armed groups aligned with the opposition continued in several Mogadishu neighborhoods. Heavy gunfire was heard in areas where opposition leaders are based, while unidentified mortar shells reportedly damaged civilian property.
Opposition leaders have accused Mohamud of ordering federal forces to confine them to their homes to prevent Thursday’s demonstrations. Opposition figures say the rallies are expected to be larger than previous protests.
The clashes began on Wednesday near Dabka junction after a confrontation between government forces and security guards of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. The former Prime Minister said government forces had attacked a consultative meeting he was attending with traditional elders, lawmakers, opposition representatives, youth leaders and civil society activists.
In respond, the police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan said masked armed men attacked a police checkpoint where security forces were stationed. He said the attackers used heavy weapons, including assault rifles.
“The area that was attacked was an important place for ensuring public security and was close to neighborhoods and homes inhabited by civilians,” Abdifatah said. He added that the attackers did not distinguish between security forces and civilians in the area.
The fighting between Somali government forces and armed opposition-aligned groups has continued for more than 10 hours, disrupting roads and airport traffic and forcing residents to flee parts of the capital.
Opposition leaders accuse Mohamud’s government of pushing through constitutional changes and electoral reforms without consensus. Federal officials say they are moving the country toward one-person, one-vote elections and must protect public order in the capital.
