Rights Group Calls for Restraint After Mogadishu Gunfire

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: A Somali civil rights group has urged restraint from both the government and opposition leaders after gunfire erupted in Mogadishu on Wednesday, leaving several people dead and others injured.

In a statement on Thursday, Independence House, which advocates for civil and political rights, democracy and press freedom, said the incident at Warta Nabadda highlighted the dangers of political violence as Somalia heads toward national elections in 2026.

“Violence has no place in political competition. The coming electoral period must be contested through ballots, civic engagement, and lawful protest — not bullets,” the group said.

Local reports indicate that the clashes broke out when opposition politicians and their security details attempted to enter a police compound, sparking an exchange of fire with security forces. The circumstances remain unclear, and Independence House has called for an independent and transparent investigation.

The organisation cautioned political actors against resorting to force, warning that such actions undermine legitimacy and risk further destabilising the country. It also urged the government not to respond to dissent with heavy-handed tactics that could curtail rights to expression, assembly and due process.

The group’s statement comes a day after the United States stressed the importance of political unity in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. At a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, senior U.S. officials said sustainable counterterrorism gains depend on political stability and cooperation among Somali leaders.

Independence House said it would continue to monitor the human-rights implications of the Mogadishu clashes and stands ready to work with any credible inquiry into the events.