Saturday, June 6, 2026 (Baidoa Online) - opposition Himilo Qaran Party, led by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has issued a strongly worded statement accusing Somali security forces of carrying out a “heavy assault” on its headquarters in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district, amid rising political tensions in the capital.
In the statement, the party said the incident took place on 3 June 2026, while senior officials, including Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, were meeting at the office to prepare for what it described as a peaceful public demonstration planned for 4 June in Mogadishu.
The group said its premises came under attack by government security forces using a range of military equipment, including heavy weapons, drones, mortars and artillery. It claimed the operation involved weapons originally provided by Somalia’s international partners for counter-terrorism operations.
The party also said it praised its internal security personnel for what it described as “heroic resistance” in preventing further damage during the confrontation.
Himilo Qaran further alleged that the operation was ordered by the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and described the incident as part of a wider pattern of pressure on opposition activities. These claims have not been independently verified.
Ceasefire agreement and mediation
The opposition party said the escalation prompted urgent intervention from international diplomats and Somali traditional elders, leading to preliminary agreements reached on 4 June 2026.
According to the statement, the agreements included:
- An unconditional ceasefire
- Withdrawal and separation of forces to reduce tensions
- Resumption of stalled political dialogue on Somalia’s transition and governance framework
- Permission for forces to recover vehicles and equipment damaged in the incident
- A security understanding that no armed forces would approach the party’s new headquarters near the Liido beachfront area in Mogadishu
The party said the ceasefire initially took effect the same day.
However, it alleged that the agreement was later undermined when government forces established roadblocks targeting a convoy carrying party officials heading towards its Wadajir district office. It said international mediators again intervened to prevent further escalation.
Himilo Qaran also noted that former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urged restraint throughout the crisis, calling for calm among supporters while negotiations continued.
International involvement and accusations of breach
The party thanked unnamed foreign diplomats, saying they “pressured” the authorities to respect the ceasefire agreement and help restore calm.
However, it accused the government of subsequently violating the understandings reached on 4 June, describing the actions as a “clear breach” of commitments.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not issued a response to the allegations.
Somalia has experienced recurring political disputes between government and opposition figures, often centred on elections, security operations, and the role of international partners in mediating domestic tensions.