BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — Heavy gunfire was heard in the central Somali city of Beledweyne on Friday evening as tensions escalated between rival political factions, raising fears of renewed violence amid a deepening national political crisis.
Lawmaker Sanbaloolshe, who commands Macawisley forces, and Hirshabelle Deputy Leader Afrah are both in the city, but no negotiations or mediation efforts have been reported between the opposing sides. Residents fear that the standoff could erupt into armed clashes at any moment.
Opposition politicians from the Hiiraan region, who oppose Somalia’s federal government, have announced plans to establish a separate regional administration, rejecting the Hirshabelle state government and saying they no longer recognize its leadership.
The confrontation adds to growing instability in Somalia, where a dispute over the country's political future has intensified since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's constitutional term ended in May 2026, according to the opposition.
Hassan Sheikh's government maintains that its mandate extends until May 2027, a position rejected by opposition leaders, who accuse him of seeking to remain in power beyond his constitutional term.
The political dispute has deepened divisions between federal authorities and opposition groups, with disagreements over constitutional changes, elections and the transfer of power raising concerns about further instability and possible violence.
The tensions in Beledweyne also come as Southwest State faces a separate political and security crisis following recent changes in its leadership, highlighting the growing challenges facing Somalia's federal system.
GAROWE WORLD
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