MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has sparked outrage after issuing strong threats against opposition leaders planning anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu, warning that security forces would respond forcefully to any protests challenging the federal government.

According to statements widely circulated in Somali political circles, Fiqi warned that opposition figures could be "shot” if they proceed with planned demonstrations in the capital. He also reportedly stated that some opposition supporters deserved to have "their hands broken,” remarks that have intensified fears of a major political confrontation in Somalia.

The comments come amid escalating tensions between the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition groups who accuse the government of pursuing an unconstitutional term extension after the president’s legal mandate allegedly expired on 15 May 2026.

Opposition leaders announced that weekly protests are expected to begin on 4 June 2026 in Muqdisho, demanding an inclusive political settlement and rejecting what they describe as unilateral constitutional and electoral changes by the federal government.

Political tensions in Somalia have steadily worsened over the past year as disputes over constitutional amendments, elections, and federal power-sharing deepened divisions between Mogadishu and several opposition leaders and regional administrations.

Recent clashes in Baydhabo and Muqdisho have further heightened instability. Reports from opposition figures and local observers accuse government forces of carrying out arrests, crackdowns, and military operations against political opponents. Concerns have also grown following reports that forces loyal to former South West leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta Gareen were targeted during fighting in Baydhabo.

Human rights activists and Somali political analysts warn that inflammatory rhetoric from senior government officials risks triggering wider unrest in the country, particularly as opposition groups mobilize supporters for planned demonstrations in the capital. Several observers have urged both the government and opposition leaders to pursue dialogue to avoid a new political and security crisis.

The latest remarks by Fiqi add to a pattern of increasingly aggressive statements directed at opposition groups. Previous reports indicated that the defense minister had also warned against anti-government protests and threatened military action against actors challenging the authority of the federal government.