Published on 6/6/2026
The Somali government announced – yesterday, Friday – that it had completely regained control of the regime in two areas of the capital, Mogadishu, following violence that the city had witnessed since last Wednesday.
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said – in a statement – that the security forces were able to restore order “completely” in the districts of Abdul Aziz and Haul Wadagh, according to what was reported by the official Somali News Agency (SONA).
While the statement explained that “the security operations carried out quickly and disciplined resulted in the disarmament of illegal armed groups and their removal from residential neighborhoods,” it praised “the efficiency, discipline, and keenness of the Somali security forces to protect the lives of civilians.”
The statement stated that these developments came against the backdrop of a “deliberate and irresponsible decision” to push armed groups affiliated with the opposition into residential neighborhoods, which led to exposing civilians to danger, causing attacks on police forces, and disrupting commercial activity.
He pointed out that these groups “were linked to political movements led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khairi.”
Political dialogue
The government considered that what happened did not fall within legitimate political action, but rather constituted a threat to security and stability, stressing that “the state’s response was firm, balanced, and based on the constitution.”
The government reiterated its assertion that the Somali security forces are “the only body legally authorized to bear arms,” noting – at the same time – that the door to political dialogue remains open, provided that it takes place through constitutional and peaceful means, far from the use of force.
On the other hand, Hassan Ali Khairi said – on the “X” platform last Wednesday – that they were “attacked by forces led by the outgoing president,” while they were preparing to organize a “peaceful demonstration” the next day.
Opposition leaders say that the term of the country’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, ended on May 15, and they intended to organize protests last Thursday.
In mid-May, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud announced the official start of implementing the new constitution, and said that the current government’s term would end on May 15, 2027.
Among the most prominent amendments to the new constitution is that the president of the country be elected directly by the people instead of Parliament, and that his term be for 5 years instead of 4 as was in the interim constitution.
