Violence breaks out in Mogadishu as embattled leader clings to power

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Violence broke out in Mogadishu Sunday lasting into the night as residents in some parts fled their homes amid fears of further fighting between militias loyal to the opposition and government security forces.

Factions of the Somali National Army and militias who travelled from the Middle Shabelle region pitched camp in northern Mogadishu and were seen taking control in some parts of Karaan, Yaqshid and Abdiaziz districts.

Exchange of fire could still be heard along Maka al Mukarama street and KM-4 junction by 9 pm but it was unclear which sides were involved.

Meanwhile, former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Wadajir Party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur have accused outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo of sending federal security forces to attack their residences.

“It’s unfortunate that troops taking orders from [Farmajo] have attacked my residence,” Mohamud wrote on his Twitter account.

“I have warned him [Farmajo] previously and I repeat the risk of politicizing security. The responsibility of the consequence will be taken by Farmajo.”

The National Salvation Forum which brings together 15 presidential candidates, the Somaliland caucus and the two allied states of Jubbaland and Puntland said the attack was carried out by the Turkish trained Gorgor brigade.

The NSF added that National Intelligence and Security Agency Director Fahad Yasin transported weapons from AMISOM armoury to be used by the Gorgor brigade.

“The attack involved Gorgor forces, which are trained and funded by Turkey. NISA Director Fahad Yasin transported ammunition from AMISOM for use in the attack,” the statement read in part.

“We, therefore, warn AMISOM and the governments supporting Gorgor forces not to be involved in a civil war. It is also their responsibility to clarify their position regarding the use of their support in a civil war, and to take clear action in this regard.”

The UK and EU have warned against the violence and called for restraint. “Highly concerned about the ongoing events in Mogadishu. The general interest requests maximum restraint, preserve institutions that belong to all and dialogue,’ EU ambassador Nicolas Berlanga said in a tweet.