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Somalia defence minister accuses opposition of mobilising militia in capital following a sharp escalation in political tensions and public exchanges between government officials and rival political factions in Mogadishu. Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stated that certain opposition figures have begun gathering armed groups under the pretext of defending themselves against alleged government aggression. According to statements released by the defence ministry, federal authorities consider these actions a deliberate conspiracy aimed at clan mobilization and destabilizing the capital’s established security framework.
The minister’s allegations follow counter-claims from prominent opposition leaders who previously accused federal security forces of conducting provocative troop movements near the private residences of former national leaders. Responding to those assertions, Fiqi asserted that federal troops have never initiated unprovoked attacks and cautioned that no individual or group would be allowed to operate above the law. Government officials emphasized that security forces remain fully deployed across key sectors to ensure public safety, protect essential national infrastructure, and maintain civil order.
Security analysts note that the rising political rhetoric between the federal administration and the opposition coalition risks complicating broader national priorities, including ongoing counter-terrorism operations against insurgent groups in central and southern regions. Community leaders and civil society representatives have expressed growing concern over the potential for localized friction within Mogadishu, calling on both federal authorities and political opponents to exercise maximum restraint. Analysts emphasize that resolving underlying political disputes through established constitutional channels remains critical to preserving hard-won security gains.
Federal authorities reiterated their unwavering stance against unauthorized armed gatherings, declaring that the law enforcement apparatus will take necessary legal measures to protect capital residents. At the same time, regional and international partners continue to monitor developments in Mogadishu closely, urging all political stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue. As security arrangements across the capital remain under heightened review, federal leadership maintains that maintaining political stability and protecting civic order must remain paramount for national progress.