• Gunfire erupted in Mogadishu as former PM Khaire claims he was attacked by government forces ahead of planned protests.
• President Mohamud's term was extended amid opposition backlash, leading to increased protests and clashes.
• The U.S. embassy described the violence as "reckless" and called for peaceful resolutions to the political crisis.

Heavy gunfire broke out in Mogadishu as Somalia’s former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire reported being attacked by government forces ahead of planned protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Khaire stated that “an attack was launched against us by forces commanded by the president whose term has expired,” as he prepared for what was meant to be a “peaceful demonstration” scheduled for Thursday, following significant unrest in the city, according to Al Jazeera and Africa News.

The political crisis in Somalia intensified after President Mohamud's controversial decision to extend his term by a year, which was due to expire on May 15. This extension has been deemed unconstitutional by many opposition figures, leading to a call for protests. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of panic in the Howl Wadaag district as people fled amid persistent gunfire, with clashes reported between armed opposition forces and police, according to BBC.

President Mohamud has argued that the extension was necessary to transition the country towards democratic elections, a process that has been stalled due to ongoing conflict and control by rival factions, including al-Shabab. Former PM Khaire's group has accused the president of attempting to centralize power unlawfully, which has sparked widespread dissatisfaction and calls for immediate elections, as echoed in statements from opposition leaders, according to Africa News and Al Jazeera.

The violence has prompted strong reactions from former officials, who have promised to continue their protests against what they describe as the government's abusive tactics to suppress dissent. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed reiterated that the violence would not deter them from demonstrating against perceived injustices, asserting "this attack will not stop the demonstrations by residents of the capital," according to BBC and Africa News.

The U.S. Embassy in Somalia has condemned the recent violence as "reckless" and called on all involved to preserve stability and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue. The embassy underscored the responsibility of leaders to promote calm in the face of escalating tensions and unrest, highlighting the broader implications this situation holds for Somali society, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.