Violence has erupted in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, as government forces and opposition-allied militias have exchanged fire before an antigovernment protest, damaging buildings and forcing residents to flee.
Fighting began before planned protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s decision to extend his term despite it expiring last month.
The move has also pushed back elections, sparking outrage among the opposition, who see it as Mohamud’s plan to centralize power. The government has rejected these allegations.
The Associated Press news agency reported that there was a large number of people in the streets and a heavy security presence with police patrolling. Police said the violence came from “organized attacks” and linked it to political groups trying to secure power.
Civilians are at risk of becoming collateral in the fallout between the two warring political factions.
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