Somalia's Government Loses Control of Several Neighborhoods in Mogadishu

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Somalia's Government Loses Control of Several Neighborhoods in Mogadishu

Sunatimes.com - The government of Somalia's outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has lost control of some of the neighborhoods of the capital Mogadishu, just a week after parliament voted to approve a term extension resolution.

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Sunatimes.com - The government of Somalia's outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has lost control of some of the neighborhoods of the capital Mogadishu, just a week after parliament voted to approve a term extension resolution.

Forces loyal to Senator Muse Sudi Yalahow, a former warlord and ex-president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have taken control of many parts of Abdiasis and Karan districts, in what some opposition leaders say is aimed to prevent possible attacks from loyalists of president Farmajo.

Opposition forces are seen at junctions and roads in Abdiasis and Karan districts, while government troops have been deployed in large numbers to nearby intersections, triggering fears by local residents over possible clashes.

Tense military buildup has been felt elsewhere in the capital, with troops from the opposed sides facing off each other in many quarters of Mogadishu.

Defense lines were set up in Shirkole by government troops and forces loyal to former police chief of Mogadishu Sadiq John, whose supporters are now in control of a neighborhood close to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense headquarters.

Traditional leaders, MPs and military officials from his clan promised that they will defend Sadiq John if the federal government goes ahead with planned attack on his residence.

Many of the residents in Shirkole fled from their homes fearing to be caught in the cross-fire if fighting erupts in the neighborhood.

By Dahir Alasow

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