MOGADISHU, Somalia (Horn Post) – Senior officials from the United States and Turkey have held separate telephone discussions with former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, urging immediate efforts to de-escalate tensions as political violence in Mogadishu entered its second day.
According to diplomatic sources, the conversations focused on restoring calm and preventing further bloodshed amid the escalating standoff between Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups over the country’s disputed electoral process.
The officials reportedly assured the opposition leaders that international partners would continue engaging with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to advance an inclusive and credible election process acceptable to all stakeholders. They also emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could trigger renewed violence or deepen the political crisis.
The diplomatic outreach comes as clashes between government forces and opposition-aligned fighters shook parts of the Somali capital, raising fears of a broader security crisis. Although fighting had largely subsided by Tuesday, tensions remained high across Mogadishu.
International partners have repeatedly called on Somali political leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue and consensus, warning that continued confrontation could undermine national stability and efforts to combat the militant group Al-Shabaab.
The latest violence marks one of the most serious political confrontations in Somalia in recent years, as disagreements over elections and constitutional reforms continue to divide the country’s leadership.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Mogadishu, Somalia
