
Today there been battles in several parts of Mogadishu. There was earlier in the day reports of fighting in Hodan district. It is also reported of fighting in Karan district. Also reports of fighting in the K4 Junction and in Dabka Junction as well. “Several junctions, including Marinayo, Beyhani, Sana’a & Fagah under opposition control” (Somaliguardian, 25.04.2021). Therefore, plenty of areas of Mogadishu have seen fighting between government forces, which is the Gorgor and Dafun. While opposition militias are trying to overpower them as well. The latest this evening is that the Opposition Forces have taken control of Wabari Police Station.
“Fighting is ongoing around near the statue of Sayid in Mogadishu, reports say that the troops who entered that area are led by a man named Ja’far. Jafar previously served as governor of Daynile” (Garowe Online, 25.04.2021).
Therefore, the Presidential Candidates and their allies. Combined with the mutineers in the Somali National Army (SNA) and the loyal police officers following ex-Police Commander Sadiq John has today fought back the armed forces of “interim” President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo. Farmaajo’s militias who has raided and gone after two candidates houses. These are Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Abdirahman Abdishakur. Clearly his targeting his opponents.
The latest reports are that Villa Somalia and the allies of the state are planning a social media blackout. They are planning to jam the phone-lines, stop the mobile data and block social media as well.
The opposition claims AMISOM is supplying ammunition to the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Fahad Yassin, which have been used in today’s clashes in Mogadishu. However, that haven’t been verified. Just like the claims of Villa Somalia that Kenya and Djibouti is involved and interfering in “internal” matters in Somalia. Therefore, the whole situation is fluid and dire.
There is only use of force, ammunition and heavy artillery. This here is worrying as special trained forces are going after the opposition. While the state and Villa Somalia is planning to keep this happening in darkness.
We should be worried about the escalation in Mogadishu. This is all over the election impasse and stalemate, which has been created by default by Farmaajo. Who never settled or worked in accord with the 17th September 2020 accord/agreement. That he should have done, but now the weapons are on the streets instead. That’s all because of his instance to stay in office.
The ones paying the price is the citizens. Some was fleeing earlier in the day. As the protests and the escalated clashes across the city have been heard. Many has gone into hiding and trying to avoid the shelling and skirmishes. Clearly, the trained troops of Farmaajo have followed direct orders. While opposition have taken up their brigades as well.
This here is the first step towards a civil war. Unless, these gentlemen sit-down and settle their difference. Really to ensure further progression towards a credible election. However, at this point. Farmaajo isn’t interested in that and that’s why all the previous attempts failed as well. He just want to reign without a election and is happy about having an extension of two years given to him by the Lower House. Therefore, this is happening and the reason for the carnage happening today.
Mogadishu and Somalia deserves better than this. The citizens, the people and the proud nation deserves leaders serving them and not their own interests. Nevertheless, that is where we are and the inhabitant of Villa Somalia thinks he can shadow-play and use his minions to lie to the world. While sending forces to spread fear into the ones who challenge him. However, the world shouldn’t be fooled.
It is distressing and tragic outcome. That it has boiled down to do this. This is what the “interim” President wants and this is what he gets. It is blood, fatalities, injuries and internally displaced people. People living in fear and danger, because one man want to rule indefinitely. Peace.















