2026 Mogadishu clashes
| 2026 Mogadishu clashes | |
|---|---|
| Part of Somali Civil War, Constitutional crisis in Somalia and Controversies of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud | |
| Date | June 3–5, 2026 |
| Location | Mogadishu |
| Casualties | |
| Deaths | 13 |
| Injuries | 189 |
On 3 June 2026, fighting erupted in the Howlwadaag district of Mogadishu, ahead of planned protests against the extension of disputed president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term. Shooting took place near the homes of former prime minister Hassan Khaire and former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, both opposition leaders involved in planning the protests.[1] Khaire stated that government forces attempted to kill him, while police labeled the event as a "large-scale security operation", blaming armed militias for starting the hostilities.[2] Fighting later spread to the districts of Abdiaziz, Hodan, Warta Nabadda, and Kaaraan.[3] The UNHCR estimated that the clashes were responsible for 13 deaths, 189 injuries and 12,500 displaced households.[4]
Fighting renewed in the morning of 4 June.[2] An agreement to end the fighting in Howlwadaag was reached in the afternoon, following talks between Hassan Khaire and the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency.[5] Clashes continued near Sharif Sheikh Ahmed's residence in the Abdiaziz district, ending the next day through mediation by clan elders.[4]
Background
Clashes
Reactions
United Nations General Secretary António Guterres condemned the violence, calling all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians.[6] The United States diplomatic mission in Mogadishu called the violence "reckless", requesting peaceful dialogue between the parties.[7]
References
- ↑ Ali, Faisal. "Why Mogadishu clashes are deepening Somalia's political crisis again". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Somalia capital rocked by gunfire and fighting overnight". France 24. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ↑ "Somalia: Protection of Civilians (PoC) Note - Escalation of Armed Violence in Mogadishu (4 June 2026)". 4 June 2026.
- 1 2 Ali, Faisal. "Somalia declares order restored after two days of fighting in Mogadishu". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 8 June 2026.
- ↑ "Clashes erupt in Somalia's capital ahead of a planned anti-government rally". AP News. 4 June 2026. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ↑ Gabobe, Mohamed (4 June 2026). "Civilians flee as Somali troops and opposition-allied militias trade fire in Mogadishu". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ↑ Mohamed, Hussein; Bigg, Matthew Mpoke (4 June 2026). "Fighting in Somalia's Capital, Mogadishu: What's Happening and Why It Matters". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 6 June 2026.