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Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of intimidation following clashes between government forces and opposition-linked fighters in Mogadishu on Thursday.
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported in several neighbourhoods of the Somali capital, disrupting movement and triggering panic among residents.
A student in Mogadishu, Abdullahi Nur, told the Associated Press that the violence left many residents fearful.
“This instilled fear in us, and I hope things will change and return to normal,” Nur said.
The unrest follows growing political tensions over constitutional changes proposed by President Mohamud.
Critics accuse the president of attempting to consolidate power by altering the electoral framework and extending his political influence, allegations the government denies.
Ahmed, who served as Somalia’s president from 2009 to 2012, alleged that security forces targeted his residence during the operation.
He also accused Mohamud’s administration of “illegally altering the constitution.”
The government and opposition groups have exchanged blame for the violence, prompting calls for restraint from the United Nations.
Opposition leaders claimed security forces attacked residences linked to Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. They said a planned rally on Thursday was intended to protest what they described as constitutional violations and the president’s attempts to extend his tenure.
However, police in Mogadishu disputed those claims, saying the violence resulted from “organised attacks” carried out by armed militias pursuing political interests.
According to the police, security forces repelled the attacks on their positions and have launched investigations to identify those responsible for organising, financing, and carrying out the violence.
