The situation in Mogadishu has taken a dangerous turn after the federal government of Somalia launched a heavy armed attack against political opponents. This serious escalation shows how far the current leadership will go to hold onto power. The federal government of Somalia is now using direct military force instead of political dialogue to solve its problems. This choice has caused intense fighting in the middle of the capital city and is threatening the stability of the entire country.

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People living in the city are now paying the price for these actions. The federal government of Somalia is directly responsible for this crisis which has forced many innocent families to run away from their homes because they fear the fighting will spread further. It is sad to see ordinary citizens packing their things and fleeing just to stay alive. This highlights how bad things have become under the current leadership.
The federal government of Somalia and its failed leadership
The country is not just dealing with a normal security issue anymore. It is facing a massive leadership crisis. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reached the end of his constitutional term on May 15 2026. Any time spent in power after this date without an agreement from all political groups is completely illegal and unconstitutional. Instead of preparing for a fair transition the federal government of Somalia has focused on forcing unwanted candidates into regional states like Galmudug Hirshabelle and South West State. This proves that the election system is not transparent at all and is just run by political appointments.
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At the same time the federal government of Somalia is misusing its power in other ways. International aid money that was supposed to fight terrorism is instead being used to target political rivals. Even the special military forces trained by international partners to fight Al Shabaab are being politicized. The federal government of Somalia is directing these forces to attack political opposition members instead of protecting the public. This shift in focus is creating a massive security vacuum.

Spreading instability and helping terrorist groups
The trouble is not limited to the capital. The federal government of Somalia has caused major security issues in South West State by ignoring and marginalizing the local security forces. Furthermore the federal government of Somalia is trying to create new conflicts in stable regions like Puntland and Jubaland. By trying to destabilize these areas the government is making it easier for terrorist groups like Al Shabaab and ISIS to expand their reach and influence across the region.
Nepotism and stealing national resources
On top of the security mess there is deep corruption within the administration. Experienced security and military leaders have been removed from their jobs. They were replaced by people from the president’s own clan and party just to make sure he stays in control. Family members are also getting top jobs. For example the president’s daughter Jihan was made a presidential advisor for international affairs and his son in law Adam Roble was appointed as the director of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank.

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The direct road to a civil war
National resources are being taken away and public land in Mogadishu is being sold off for private gain while international funds are used to buy the loyalty of clans and politicians. What happened today in Mogadishu is the direct result of bad decisions by the presidency. By choosing violence over political solutions the leadership is pushing the nation toward a dangerous civil war. The scenes of families running away from the gunfire show that the current authority is putting the whole country in deep danger.







