Mogadishu, Somalia – Clashes between Somali government forces and opposition figures erupted in the capital on Wednesday, plunging the city into fear and near standstill, and exacerbating the nation's deepening political crisis. The violence, characterized by heavy gunfire, has disrupted daily life and shattered a recent period of improved security.

The fighting began around the residences of prominent opposition leaders, including former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. These leaders were reportedly planning protests against what they term an illegal term extension for incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The government, however, cited security concerns, stating that such protests would undermine stability in a city still contending with ongoing armed violence.

Residents described scenes of chaos as gunfire echoed through neighborhoods. Mustafa, a 33-year-old bajaj taxi driver, recounted being caught in the crossfire in the Hawl Wadaag district. "Everyone was shouting and running for their lives, and we all fled from the bullets," he told Al Jazeera, adding that the intensity of the fighting had not been seen in years. Hundreds of families were displaced from areas near the conflict, and key commercial centers, including Maka al-Mukarama Road and the Bakara market, were largely deserted.

The immediate economic impact is significant. Ali Wardheere, the deputy central bank governor, estimated the direct cost to businesses and services at approximately $3.8 million. This figure, though a projection, highlights the disruption to Mogadishu's economy, which relies heavily on the activity of these commercial hubs. The closure of shops and the emptiness of normally bustling streets underscore the severity of the disruption.

This escalation of violence comes at a time of heightened political tension surrounding elections. Somalia has a long history of delayed or contested electoral processes, with the country not having held a direct election for national leadership since the late 1960s. Citizens like Mustafa, who have never voted for a national leader, experience the consequences of these political standoffs through the disruption and fear that accompany periods of heightened tension.

The conflict has effectively halted commerce and movement in large parts of the capital. Maka al-Mukarama Road, usually a vibrant commercial artery, was largely empty except for military vehicles. Similarly, the Bakara market, the city's largest commercial hub, saw shuttered stalls and a significant lack of activity, impacting the livelihoods of countless vendors and small business owners.

Opposition leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the incumbent president's actions regarding the term extension, viewing it as a move that undermines democratic processes. The government's stance emphasizes the need for stability and security, particularly given the persistent threat of armed groups in the region.

The clashes raise critical questions about the future of Somalia's political stability and its path towards democratic governance. The cycle of tensions, protests, and now violent confrontations highlights the fragility of the country's institutions and the challenges in achieving a peaceful and inclusive political process.