On 25 April 2021, hundreds of Somali soldiers entered Mogadishu opposing extensions of the presidential mandate.
Background[]
On 14 April 2021, acting President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed signed a law which extended his mandate by two years. This was opposed by opposition leaders which called it "a threat to the stability, peace and unity" and by the international community.[4]
History[]
On 25 April 2021, soldiers - mainly from Hirshabelle - entered the Somali capital Mogadishu after president Mohamed approved two years extension of his term in office. Rebels seized northern part of the city clashing with pro-government forces in some neighborhoods. Pro-government soldiers attacked homes of former Somali president and opposition leader. By the end of the day government forces withdrew towards Villa Somalia.[2]
On 6 May 2021, soldiers agreed to withdraw from Mogadishu after series of talks with the Prime Minister, held by the opposition. The police were set to take control of the city.[5] On 8 May 2021, roads were reopened and rebels withdrew from Mogadishu in vehicles towards Lower and Middle Shabelle.[6]
References[]
- ↑ Former Somalia leader says soldiers attacked his house, 25 April 2021
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Why Somalia’s Electoral Crisis Has Tipped into Violence, 27 April 2021
- ↑ Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia: Concerns over mass displacements in Mogadishu, 28 April 2021
- ↑ "Somali president signs law extending mandate for two years" (in en). 2021-04-14. https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210414-somali-president-signs-controversial-law-extending-mandate-to-donors-dismay.
- ↑ "Somali premier welcomes demilitarization of capital Mogadishu". https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/somali-premier-welcomes-demilitarization-of-capital-mogadishu/2231017.
- ↑ Somalia: SNA mutineers exit Mogadishu following deal with opposition, 8 May 2021
The original article can be found at 2021 Mogadishu mutiny and the edit history here.