FGS, Ex-PM Khaire Trade Accusations After Mogadishu Clash

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire traded accusations on Wednesday following a clash in Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag district that left an unspecified number of people dead and injured, further escalating political tensions in the capital.
The incident occurred amid heightened political activity ahead of a planned opposition demonstration in Mogadishu.
In a statement issued Wednesday evening, the Federal Government accused armed personnel allegedly linked to Khaire of attacking a police facility in Howlwadaag district.
According to the government, armed men carrying heavy weapons targeted a position belonging to the district police station and later fired weapons in residential neighborhoods. Authorities described the incident as an attempt to undermine security in the capital and announced that security agencies had launched an investigation.
“The Federal Government of Somalia reiterates that it will not tolerate any attempt to undermine security in the capital, obstruct the work of security forces, or create fear and instability,” the statement said.
However, Khaire rejected the government’s account and instead accused security forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of carrying out the attack.
In a statement posted on social media, Khaire said he was meeting with traditional elders, including leaders from the Murusade clan, when forces under the command of what he described as the “outgoing president” attacked his location.
“While we were meeting with the Murusade traditional leadership and elders, we came under attack by forces led by the outgoing president,” Khaire said.
He expressed condolences to those killed and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Khaire further said that responsibility for any casualties resulting from the incident rests with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming the attack occurred as his supporters were preparing for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Thursday.
Neither side has provided evidence publicly supporting its claims, and the exact circumstances that led to the confrontation remain unclear.
Authorities have not released official casualty figures, although both the government and Khaire acknowledged that deaths and injuries occurred during the incident.
The clash comes amid growing tensions between the Federal Government and opposition leaders over Somalia’s political direction and electoral process. Opposition figures have recently intensified criticism of the government, while authorities have repeatedly warned against actions they say could threaten public order and security.
The latest confrontation is likely to deepen concerns about security and political stability in Mogadishu as the country navigates an increasingly polarized political environment.