25 October 2021
Demonstrations have erupted in Mogadishu today against the fighting happening in Guri’el in Galmudug between Galmudug and federal government forces on one side and Ahlu Sunna militias on the other.
Demonstrators gathered at the Tarabuunka intersection in Hodan district, burning tires and rubbish on the road, causing traffic to stop.
Demonstrators, mostly women, chanted slogans against the deadly fighting in Guri El, including “We want a Qoor Qoor and Farmaajo”, “We don’t want a civilian blood” and other words against the administration.
Some demonstrators told the media that they would not allow further fighting in Guri El, accusing the outgoing president and the Galmudug president of fueling the conflict.
Some also said that they support the Ahlu-Sunna leadership who seized Guri El, and are currently fighting with the Galmudug forces in collaboration with the federal government.
Fighting in Guri El has entered its third day, and sporadic gunfire can still be heard in parts of the city.
During the fighting, Ahlu-Sunna and the Galmudug administration lost soldiers and officials on both sides as well as innocent civilians. Schools, Hospitals and business have been impacted.