MOGADISHU — Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre has accused government security forces of launching armed attacks on his residence in Mogadishu’s Howlwadaag district, amid growing political tensions surrounding planned opposition demonstrations.
In a statement issued following the incident, Khayre said forces under the command of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud targeted his residence while he was meeting with traditional elders, including senior leaders from the Murusade clan.
“We were holding discussions with the Murusade Ugaas and traditional elders when forces under the command of the outgoing president attacked us,” Khayre said. He expressed condolences to those killed and injured during the clashes and held the president responsible for any consequences arising from the confrontation.
According to Khayre, the attack occurred as opposition figures were preparing for a peaceful demonstration scheduled for the following day.
Hours later, Khayre alleged that government forces launched a second attack on the same residence in the Barmuudo neighborhood of Howlwadaag district. He said the renewed confrontation took place while a mediation committee led by Ugaas Mahmoud Ali Ugaas was present at the location.
“It is unfortunate that the leadership under former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attacked us again while the mediation committee was present. This demonstrates a decision to push the country toward renewed conflict and instability,” Khayre stated.
Local sources reported that several prominent traditional leaders who had travelled to the residence to mediate the dispute became trapped inside the compound as fighting continued in the surrounding area. Among those reportedly unable to leave were Imam Imaad Daahir, Ugaas Mahmoud Ali Ugaas, and other senior elders.
The residence was also hosting politicians, community leaders, and members of the opposition at the time of the clashes. Witnesses said intermittent gunfire and the presence of opposing security forces around the area prevented those inside from safely departing.
The federal government had not issued an official response to Khayre’s allegations at the time of publication.
The incident marks a further escalation in Mogadishu’s political standoff, as tensions continue to rise over the electoral process, opposition mobilization, and the broader direction of Somalia’s political transition.
