Second day of clashes in Mogadishu before opposition rally

Heavy clashes erupted in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, for a second consecutive day on Thursday as government security forces and opposition supporters exchanged gunfire ahead of a planned antigovernment rally. The violence, which began on Wednesday, caused significant disruption, forced hundreds of families to flee, and drew urgent calls for restraint from international observers.

Residents reported heavy gunfire, explosions, and mortar attacks in several neighborhoods, including the Howlwadaag district. Major roads were sealed, and the city’s main commercial hub, Bakara market, was closed. A deputy central bank governor estimated the direct economic impact at 3.8 million dollars, though he stressed the figure was a preliminary projection. No official casualty figures were immediately released, though United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated the violence resulted in deaths, injuries to civilians, and damage to critical infrastructure.

The clashes stem from a deep political crisis over the country’s electoral future. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in May that his term, which was due to expire on May 15, had been extended by one year following...