Mogadishu and Baidoa Erupt in Violence as Somalia’s Political Tensions Deepen

Heavy fighting has erupted in Mogadishu and Baidoa amid a deepening political crisis in Somalia, with opposition leaders accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of extending his mandate unconstitutionally and tensions escalating into armed clashes involving state security forces and opposition-linked groups.

Heavy gunfire and street clashes broke out on Wednesday in Somalia’s capital, , and the southern city of , as political tensions escalated over President ’s contested continuation in office amid rising scrutiny of Türkiye’s expanding security role in the country.

Former President and ex-Prime Minister are among opposition leaders accusing Mohamud of unlawfully extending his mandate and using state security forces against political rivals.

Khaire claimed he was targeted while preparing for anti-government demonstrations, alleging that armed units acting under presidential authority disrupted a meeting he was holding with traditional elders in Mogadishu. He said, “We are under attack,” adding that internationally trained forces were being used to suppress political gatherings rather than focusing solely on counterterrorism duties.

The described the violence as “reckless,” warning it could have serious consequences for Somalia’s stability, unity, and political future.

Somalia has entered a renewed period of uncertainty after Mohamud’s term was reportedly extended by one year following constitutional changes passed in March. Opposition figures argue his mandate ended on May 15, 2026, and reject the extension as illegitimate.

The crisis has also intensified debate over Türkiye’s growing influence in Somalia’s security structures. Uganda has long been the main contributor to African Union forces in Somalia under missions such as , , and , but Türkiye has developed a parallel security system through its military training base in Mogadishu, known as Camp TURKSOM, and broader defence cooperation with Somali authorities.

Analysts note that this has created two overlapping security frameworks: African Union-backed forces and a Turkish-supported Somali national security structure operating within state institutions.

Witnesses in Mogadishu reported sustained gunfire across several districts, including Howl Wadaag, where clashes involving opposition-linked groups and government forces sparked panic among residents. An AFP journalist said explosions and rocket-propelled grenades were heard near opposition areas, with fighting lasting around 15 minutes before easing.

Opposition leaders, including former President , have demanded immediate elections, accusing Mohamud of centralising power under constitutional reforms.

Sheikh Sharif condemned reported attacks on opposition figures, saying the president’s actions were worsening instability despite lacking a legitimate mandate.

A joint statement from international partners including the , , and called for restraint and renewed dialogue, warning that continued escalation could undermine Somalia’s fragile political transition.

Despite repeated mediation efforts by external actors such as the United States and the UK, progress toward a unified electoral roadmap remains stalled.

The situation reflects a recurring cycle in Somalia’s politics, where disputed mandates and delayed transitions repeatedly trigger unrest and international concern.

With violence spreading across multiple cities and foreign involvement increasingly shaping security dynamics, Somalia faces renewed pressure to stabilise its political order amid competing internal and external power influences.