Somali Police Seize Six Vehicles and Weapons in Marinayo After Sharif’s Departure Following U.S.-Turkey Mediation

MOGADISHU – Somali police said they seized six vehicles and weapons during clashes with troops loyal to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in the Marinayo area of Mogadishu, a day after he left following mediation efforts by the United States and Turkey to defuse tensions over delayed elections.

The Banaadir Regional Police Command confirmed that security forces recovered the vehicles and a cache of weapons from the Abdiaziz district, where the most intense fighting occurred earlier in the week. Authorities claimed that weapons belonging to supporters of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed were concealed throughout various locations in the area.

The severe political crisis escalated after hours of heavy fighting around the Mogadishu residences of former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, sparking fears of wider conflict. Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused the opposition figures of orchestrating an armed coup attempt, comparing their forces to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Mediation Efforts Lead to De-escalation

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who had been staying in Mogadishu’s Abdiazis district during the standoff, returned to his previous residence near Aden Adde International Airport following mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire also returned to his former home near the Jazeera Hotel.

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, members of the international community encouraged both opposition figures to leave their temporary positions after receiving assurances that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud would be brought to the negotiating table. International partners and clan elders played a prominent role in efforts to prevent further unrest and avoid a prolonged political confrontation.

Senior officials from the United States and Turkey held separate telephone discussions with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, urging immediate efforts to de-escalate tensions as political violence in Mogadishu entered its second day. The officials reportedly assured the opposition leaders that international partners would continue engaging with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to advance an inclusive and credible election process acceptable to all stakeholders.

Both opposition leaders have now withdrawn from the strategic positions they had occupied during the height of the crisis, signaling a potential de-escalation after days of intense confrontations that saw heavy fighting across the capital.

Weapons Seizure and Disarmament Operations

Somali security agencies have intensified disarmament operations across parts of Mogadishu, with a particular focus on Abdiaziz District. The Banaadir Regional Police Command confirmed that security forces are carrying out searches in homes and locations suspected of storing unauthorized weapons.

Police officials stressed that no individual would be permitted to keep illegal arms in residential properties. In a statement, the police warned that anyone found storing, concealing, or facilitating the movement of illegal weapons would face legal action in accordance with Somali law.

“One will not be allowed to store or hide illegal weapons intended to undermine the security of Mogadishu or the country as a whole,” the statement said, adding that security institutions are taking firm measures against those involved in such activities.

The Ministry of Information said security forces had completed an operation aimed at preventing what it called organized militias from creating insecurity in the capital. It said armed groups carrying heavy weapons had entered neighborhoods in Mogadishu and later attacked police forces and civilians.

The Federal Government has previously accused regional leaders of orchestrating attacks through loyal militias, describing such actions as “premeditated acts of aggression aimed at undermining national authority and destabilizing the region.”

Sharif’s Departure from Mirinaayo

Sharif’s decision to leave the Marinayo area followed days of tension around Abdiazis, where the former president had remained despite pressure from elders and other intermediaries to leave the area and return to the airport zone. Sources familiar with the mediation told local media that Sharif had insisted that his private security detail must not be removed and that he would defend himself against any attack.

The exact reason for Sharif’s change of position was not immediately clear. As late as Thursday night, he had resisted calls to leave Mirinaayo, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Sharif earlier accused government forces of targeting his residence during the confrontation. “The government forces encircled and attacked my house,” Sharif said in a video posted online. “I am never scared of their aggressive attack. I will fight back.” He also accused President Mohamud’s administration of illegally altering the constitution, a charge at the center of the wider political dispute.

Government Seeks to Revive Opposition Talks

The federal government is seeking to revive talks with opposition groups ahead of upcoming political meetings in the regional capitals of Dhusamareeb and Jowhar, sources familiar with the discussions said. The renewed mediation effort is reportedly being facilitated by Turkey as authorities attempt to ease political tensions.

According to the sources, the government maintained during discussions that direct elections based on a one-person, one-vote system remain its preferred option, while signaling openness to negotiations on a limited number of issues related to Somalia’s federal structure.

The sources said Villa Somalia is also advocating the creation of a technical committee to address outstanding disputes, a proposal that opposition groups previously rejected during earlier mediation efforts backed by international partners.

Opposition figures have argued that negotiations should focus first on reaching a consensus over the electoral process, while expressing reservations about direct talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud without a broader political agreement.

Opposition leaders have drawn sharp battle lines against what they describe as “illegitimate term extensions” and “disputed elections,” warning the government not to push the country into another cycle of political turmoil.

International Community Response

The situation has drawn concern from the United Nations, regional bodies, and international entities, all of which called on all parties to address their differences through dialogue.

International partners including the UN, African Union, EU, IGAD, the United States, and the United Kingdom have urged renewed dialogue between the Somali government and opposition groups. The United States delivered one of its most explicit public statements against the use of force on political protesters in Somalia.

Following mediation that helped reduce tensions between the government and opposition figures, Mogadishu was mostly peaceful on Friday. Nevertheless, security personnel continue to maintain heightened deployment in numerous areas across the capital.

Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni has accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart, stating that the federal government’s actions have systematically dismantled the federal system and undermined the power-sharing arrangements that form the basis of Somalia’s post-conflict governance structure.

The government has not publicly commented on the latest mediation proposals, and it remains unclear whether opposition groups will accept the initiative. The political dispute comes amid growing international calls for dialogue between Somalia’s government and opposition leaders to prevent further instability and secure agreement on the country’s electoral roadmap.