Government forces have withdrawn from several areas of Mogadishu following intense fighting that erupted on Wednesday and continued into the early hours of Thursday, as calls grow for an immediate end to the violence.
Footage released by the Somali military appeared to show federal government troops pulling back from positions in parts of the capital where clashes had been reported.
Among the areas affected was the vicinity of the residence of former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre, where some of the heaviest fighting took place. Troops were reportedly ordered to return to positions they had occupied before moving into the area on Wednesday afternoon.
Reports from Mogadishu suggest that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud directed security forces to withdraw from around Mr Khayre’s home amid mounting domestic and international pressure on both the government and opposition groups to de-escalate tensions.
The fighting has raised concerns about stability in the Somali capital, although the full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear.
The European Union has urged all sides to halt the violence immediately and resume dialogue to prevent further escalation.
In a statement, the EU said: “We reiterate our joint statement, now joined by two new signatories. The violence that broke out in Mogadishu is deeply concerning and worrying, and we deplore the loss of life and injury. Somalis need peace, stability and development. We call on political leaders on all sides to return to dialogue and resolve differences peacefully.”
However, concerns remain that violence could flare up again in the Abdicaziz district of Mogadishu, where former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed resides. The area witnessed some of the fiercest clashes on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, raising fears that the situation could rapidly deteriorate despite the withdrawal of government troops from other parts of the capital.
Witnesses in the district reported scenes of destruction following the fighting, including government armoured vehicles that were seen burning in the aftermath of the clashes.
Tensions were further heightened on Thursday when the Banadir regional police chief held a press conference and issued a warning to forces guarding former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. The police chief called on the forces to surrender, remarks that critics say risk inflaming an already volatile situation.
The developments have added to concerns that the standoff between government forces and opposition-aligned groups could deepen unless efforts to de-escalate the crisis and resume political dialogue are successful.
The latest unrest comes amid heightened political tensions, with international partners warning that continued confrontation could undermine efforts to strengthen security and governance in Somalia.
