US, UK urge restraint after Mogadishu government-opposition clashes

Thursday June 4, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Heavy gunfire that erupted in Mogadishu on Thursday drew sharp concern from the United States and the United Kingdom, both of which urged Somalia’s political leaders to step back from confrontation and settle their disputes through dialogue.

In a warning that underscored the stakes for the country’s fragile security, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu said the violence could have far-reaching consequences for Somalia’s stability.

“The violence unfolding in Mogadishu is reckless,” the embassy said in a post on X. “Somali leaders on all sides have a responsibility to preserve stability and resolve differences through peaceful means. Actions taken in the coming hours and days may have lasting consequences for Somalia’s security, unity, and future.”

The British Embassy issued a similar rebuke, saying the overnight clashes were unacceptable and calling for broad-based political talks.

“The UK is deeply concerned by reports of violence in Mogadishu overnight. Violence is unacceptable and we call on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully,” the embassy said.

The unrest began Wednesday at Dabka junction, where government forces and security guards linked to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire each blamed the other for triggering the confrontation. Opposition leaders also accused government troops of targeting the home of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.

Police said masked gunmen attacked a checkpoint manned by security forces and opened fire with heavy weapons, including assault rifles. Khaire, for his part, said government forces stormed a consultative meeting he was holding with traditional elders, lawmakers, opposition figures, youth leaders and civil society activists.

The violence quickly spread across several parts of the capital, choking movement along major roads and disrupting access to Mogadishu’s airport. In some neighborhoods, residents abandoned their homes out of fear the clashes could widen.

By Thursday, the fighting had stopped and Mogadishu had returned to calm, with traditional elders stepping in to mediate between the federal government and opposition leaders.

No official casualty toll has been announced.

The confrontation unfolded just as opposition groups were preparing demonstrations over elections, constitutional amendments and Somalia’s political transition. Opposition leaders say President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration is forcing through reforms without consensus, while federal officials insist they are advancing the country toward one-person, one-vote elections and must safeguard public order in the capital.