Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has accused opposition presidential candidates of orchestrating what he described as a foreign-backed attempt to overthrow the government.
This is as fighting in Mogadishu heightened political tensions and raised concerns about the country’s security situation.
In a statement issued amid the ongoing clashes, Ahmed alleged that opposition figures were acting on behalf of foreign governments seeking to undermine Somalia’s state institutions and reverse progress made in rebuilding the country.
“Just as extremist groups hide behind religion, efforts to overthrow our statehood have been disguised under the banner of protests and clan interests. However, it has become clear that individuals claiming to be opposition politicians are hired by foreign governments that thrive on the destruction of Somalia’s state institutions and seek to push the country backwards,” Ahmed said.
The defence minister’s remarks came as clashes erupted around the residence of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre in Mogadishu, where government forces and armed personnel aligned with opposition groups exchanged fire for several hours.
Ahmed compared the opposition-aligned forces to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing them of acting as proxies for unnamed foreign countries. He did not identify the governments he alleged were supporting the opposition or provide evidence to support the claims.
The fighting marked one of the most serious confrontations in the capital in recent months and underscored growing tensions between the federal government and opposition leaders over the country’s political direction and electoral process.
According to sources familiar with the developments, government forces later withdrew from frontline positions around Hassan’s residence after negotiations aimed at reducing tensions.
The withdrawal was reportedly part of efforts to prevent further escalation and create space for dialogue between the opposing sides.
The clashes triggered concern among residents, with reports indicating that some families left areas near the fighting due to fears that the confrontation could spread to other parts of the city.
Former Prime Minister Hassan accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of carrying out a prolonged military operation targeting his residence as well as political leaders and elders who had been engaged in mediation efforts.
In a statement released after the fighting, Hassan said government forces conducted an operation that lasted more than 20 hours and involved the use of heavy weapons. He further alleged that essential services in the area had been cut during the operation.
Hassan described the actions as a war crime and called on members of the security forces to reject what he termed unlawful orders. He argued that the operation was intended to intimidate opposition leaders and individuals involved in efforts to resolve the political dispute through dialogue.
The latest confrontation comes amid increasing political disagreements between the government and opposition figures, who have accused the administration of failing to build consensus on key national issues.
Government officials, however, have maintained that opposition leaders are seeking to destabilise the country and obstruct state-building efforts.
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