North Western State of Somalia police arrest suspects after gunfire breaks out in Hargeisa
Police spokesman Abdiaziz Sheikh Ismail said officers had already identified those suspected of opening fire in the capital on Monday night. He said some were in custody while others were still being tracked down.
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia police said Tuesday they had arrested several people accused of firing gunshots in Hargeisa amid protests surrounding the city council’s انتخاب of a new mayor and deputy mayor.
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Police spokesman Abdiaziz Sheikh Ismail said officers had already identified those suspected of opening fire in the capital on Monday night. He said some were in custody while others were still being tracked down.
“Last night, shots were fired in the capital by suspects who have been identified by the police. Some have been arrested and some are being pursued,” Abdiaziz said. “The people of North Western State of Somalia have given us good support in this matter.”
The gunfire erupted ahead of Tuesday’s extraordinary session at Hargeisa City Hall, where council members chose Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah Wiwaa as mayor and Aden Jama Haddi Mideeye as deputy mayor.
The vote came after the removal of former Mayor Abdikarin Ahmed Mooge and his deputy, Khadar Ahmed Omar. Council members said the two officials had failed to carry out their duties and pointed to additional administrative issues.
Abdiaziz said the council’s election was a lawful matter for Hargeisa members and noted that the session concluded peacefully under police protection.
He also cautioned people on social media against circulating remarks he said could undermine security and stability. Police, he added, were watching anyone involved in illegal activity.
The leadership shake-up has split opinion sharply in Hargeisa, with some residents and politicians backing Mooge’s removal while others have رفضed the council’s decision. Police said the tensions prompted some people to fire shots in the city.
The new municipal leadership is expected to assume responsibility for key services and urban development in North Western State of Somalia’s capital.
