Heavy gunfire in Somali capital as election-delay row escalates
Heavy gunfire was reported in Mogadishu after Somalia's president had his term extended by one year. The opposition rejected the move and has called for nationwide protests.
BBC AfricaHeavy gunfire was reported in several Mogadishu neighborhoods late last night. The incidents began after the Upper House extended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term by one year. The government said in a statement that 'the heavy fire is warning shots from security forces.'
The opposition's joint candidate, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmaajo), said: 'The decision is unconstitutional. We call for peaceful nationwide protests.' Government spokesman Abdirahman Adala said: 'The extension is a technical necessity arising from the election timetable not being workable.'
UN Special Representative for Somalia James Swan said: 'We call on all parties to engage in dialogue and refrain from violence.' ICG analyst Omar Mahmood assessed: 'The scale of events will become clearer in the coming days; the position of clan-based alliances is critical.' Galmudug regional state President Ahmed Karie said 'the path of dialogue remains open.' Procedural framing only.
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