Exchanges of gunfire at Somali protests 26 Apr 2021 / 15:25 H.
MOGADISHU: Troops and armed men exchanged gunfire on Sunday in the Somalian capital Mogadishu on the margins of a demonstration by opponents of the president, police said.
The situation remained confused later Sunday with sporadic gunfire heard and troops blocking all major roads.
Several dozen opposition supporters earlier marched in protest against President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, whose legal authority has been in doubt since February when his four-year term expired before fresh presidential elections were held.
“Some clan militiamen organised by opposition politicians tried to disturb peace in Mogadishu, they have advanced onto police checkpoints. but the security forces took immediate action against them,“ police commander Mohamed Abdirahman said.
What to know about the violence in Somalia modernghana.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from modernghana.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Indiaâs New Covid Mystery
Many people in India thought the country had escaped the worst of Covid-19. What happened?
A Covid-19 patient in Delhi yesterday.Credit.Atul Loke for The New York Times
There is a new Covid-19 mystery in India, and it is far grimmer than the first one.
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Somalia: Mogadishu tense as armed opposition fighters take up positions
Sporadic clashes broke out in the Somalian capital as tensions continue after embattled President Mohamed extended his mandate last week sparking a political crisis.
Opposition protesters are supported by armed groups in Mogadishu
Somali opposition fighters have taken up positions in parts of the capital Mogadishu, a day after clashes with government troops erupted over President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed bid to extend his mandate.
Witnesses said armed men and vehicles mounted with machine guns were stationed in opposition strongholds, while key roads in Mogadishu were blocked.
Tensions have been high in Somalia since President Mohamed s signed a controversial law extending his mandate for two more years. Opposition parties have called the move an unconstitutional bid to stay in power. The US and the EU have threatened sanctions over the move.