Somalia President's Term Extension Sparks Overnight Clashes in Capital

(Central News Agency, Mogadishu, 4th Combined Foreign Reports) An AFP correspondent reported that gunfire erupted overnight in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and smoke lingered into the morning as political factions clashed violently ahead of planned protests.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in mid-May that he would extend his term, which was set to expire on May 15, by one year, plunging Somalia into a new political crisis.

Opposition and regional leaders opposed the move and had planned to hold demonstrations in Mogadishu today.

However, according to an AFP local correspondent, clashes broke out as opposition leaders entered the city yesterday to prepare for the protests, with sporadic gunfire heard throughout the night.

Police said they had launched a "large-scale security operation" against "heavily armed militias who launched mortar attacks on parts of the capital."

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said he was attacked by government forces yesterday while moving from the heavily guarded Green Zone base near the airport to his residence in the city to prepare for the protests.

Khaire posted on social media last night, saying "the forces of the president whose term has expired attacked us," adding that they were preparing to participate in today's "peaceful protest."

An AFP photographer captured residents of the Howl Wadaag district near Khaire's residence fleeing in panic, with the sound of gunfire in the background.

Witnesses told AFP they saw armed opposition members clashing with Somali police.

According to witnesses, gunfire was also heard near the residence of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, close to Lido Beach.

Mohamud has been trying to move Somalia towards democratic elections, replacing the clan-based system.

Mohamud argues that a new constitution passed by parliament in March established a framework for elections, which granted him an additional year in office.

However, due to severe clan divisions and large parts of the country being controlled by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, election preparations have made little progress except in a few areas.

Opposition and regional leaders strongly oppose Mohamud's plan, viewing it as an attempt to consolidate power. (Translation: Lu Yingzi) 1150604