IGAD calls for immediate de-escalation as violence rocks Mogadishu

Djibouti | The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

The authority calls on all political actors to immediately de-escalate tensions and engage in peaceful dialogue to safeguard the country’s stability and state-building gains.

In a statement issued Thursday, IGAD condemned all acts of violence following reports of armed clashes in Mogadishu amid heightened political tensions surrounding Somalia’s constitutional and electoral disputes.

Furthermore, the regional bloc urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prioritize the interests of the Somali people.

“At this critical moment, preserving peace, stability, national unity, and the gains made in Somalia’s state-building efforts is of paramount importance,” said Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD.

“IGAD urges all stakeholders to place the interests of the Somali people first and to pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue and consensus,” he added.

In addition, the statement came as government forces and militias aligned with opposition leaders exchanged fire in several districts of Mogadishu, including Howlwadag and Abdiasis, ahead of planned anti-government demonstrations.

tndNews, Uganda has learned that residents have reported heavy gunfire, mortar attacks, property destruction, and the displacement of civilians as fighting intensified overnight and into Thursday morning.

According to reports from Reuters media, the violence is linked to a deepening political crisis over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s continued stay in office after opposition groups challenged constitutional amendments and electoral arrangements adopted earlier this year.

The publication, however, noted that opposition figures, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, accused government forces of targeting their residences and suppressing political dissent, allegations the government has denied.

Somali authorities have instead blamed the unrest on armed groups allegedly linked to opposition movements, describing the incidents as organized attacks against state security forces and public order. Investigations into the violence are reportedly underway.

However, the clashes have sparked concern among international partners and the United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom have all condemned the violence and urged Somali leaders to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the violence had resulted in civilian casualties, injuries, and damage to infrastructure, emphasizing that political disputes should not be settled through force.

IGAD reiterated that Somalia, a founding member of the regional bloc, remains central to peace, security, and development efforts across the Horn of Africa and the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somali-led initiatives aimed at strengthening national cohesion, democratic governance, and long-term stability.

The latest appeal follows a series of recent IGAD statements encouraging dialogue among Somali stakeholders as the country navigates a sensitive political transition.

“As a founding Member State of IGAD, Somalia remains central to the region’s peace, security, and development and IGAD reaffirms its solidarity with Somalia and stands ready to support efforts that advance dialogue, national cohesion, and lasting stability,” the organisation said.

Political analysts warn that continued confrontation could undermine hard-won gains against the extremist group Al-Shabaab and threaten years of progress toward rebuilding state institutions after decades of conflict.

Therefore, with tensions running high in Mogadishu, regional and international actors are intensifying calls for restraint to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.