Heavy gunfire erupted in central Mogadishu on Wednesday as Somalia’s former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire alleged government forces attacked him ahead of planned anti-government protests. Khaire stated that forces commanded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term has expired, launched the attack while they were preparing for a peaceful demonstration.

The incident plunges Somalia into another political crisis, following President Mohamud's announcement that his term had been extended by a year after it officially ended on May 15. This move has been rejected by opposition groups and regional leaders, who had planned demonstrations for Thursday.

An AFP news agency journalist witnessed panicked residents in the Howl Wadaag district, near Khaire's residence, with loud gunshots and explosions from rocket-propelled grenades echoing through the neighborhoods. Witnesses reported seeing armed opposition forces clashing with Somali police.

President Mohamud has been advocating for a shift towards democratic elections, aiming to replace the traditional clan-based system. He contends that a new constitution passed by parliament in March, which lays the groundwork for polls, granted him an additional year in office. However, the country remains deeply divided by clan loyalties, and significant portions are controlled by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked armed group, hindering electoral progress.

Opposition figures and regional leaders have voiced strong opposition to Mohamud's unilateral term extension, viewing it as an effort to consolidate power. International partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have reportedly engaged in mediation efforts between the government and opposition factions, but these attempts have yielded limited success.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who has also relocated to central Mogadishu to participate in the protests, condemned the attack on Khaire. He accused the president of seeking to incite further violence despite lacking a legitimate mandate.

The political instability in Somalia is exacerbated by the ongoing security challenges, including the presence of al-Shabab and concerns about piracy. Recent reports indicate a rise in piracy off the Somali coast, with some analyses suggesting a diversion of naval forces due to other geopolitical conflicts.

With protests planned for Thursday and tensions escalating following the alleged attack, the situation in Mogadishu remains volatile, raising concerns about the country's path towards stability and democratic governance.