African Union, U.N. urge end to army clashes in Mogadishu

Thursday June 4, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union and the United Nations on Thursday demanded an immediate end to fighting in Mogadishu after government forces and opposition-aligned militias traded gunfire in civilian neighborhoods, a flare-up that has intensified concerns Somalia’s political standoff could tip into broader unrest.

The African Union Commission said it was alarmed by the reported security situation in the capital, including armed clashes in residential areas. It called on all sides to stop the violence at once, show the utmost restraint, shield civilians and avoid any move that could deepen tensions.

The AU Commission urged Somali leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue and established constitutional processes.

“The Commission encourages the continuation of the efforts of H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and all political actors in promoting national dialogue, reconciliation and consensus-building towards political stability,” the AU statement said.

The commission said it remained prepared to assist efforts aimed at restoring peace and security.

The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), said it was gravely concerned by the outbreak of fighting and called on all sides to show responsible leadership, cease hostilities and return to dialogue.

“UNTMIS and international partners have repeatedly warned, in our statements and stakeholder engagements, of the risk of repeating the crisis that arose in 2021 over differences regarding the electoral roadmap — warnings that were unfortunately not heeded,” the mission said.

UNTMIS urged Somali leaders to put the national interest first and resume talks that ended May 15 without agreement. It said Somalia’s international partners stood ready to help facilitate fresh dialogue.

The violence started Wednesday evening and carried into Thursday morning, with government troops and militias aligned with opposition leaders exchanging fire in parts of the city. The clashes damaged property and sent some residents fleeing their homes.

The unrest erupted ahead of planned opposition demonstrations over elections, constitutional changes and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate. Opposition leaders accuse the government of extending its term without consensus after parliament approved constitutional changes in March that shifted the presidential term from four years to five.

Government forces were deployed in several parts of Mogadishu, including Hawlwadaag and Abdiaziz districts, where they exchanged fire with armed groups backing opposition figures.

The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu described the violence as “reckless” and said Somali leaders had a duty to preserve stability.

The United Kingdom also called for restraint and dialogue, saying the violence was unacceptable.

The clashes have highlighted the depth of Somalia’s political crisis, centered on the electoral roadmap, constitutional amendments and the balance of power between the federal government and opposition leaders. Federal officials say the government is steering the country toward one-person, one-vote elections, while opposition groups argue the process cannot move ahead without broad political consensus.