2021 Mogadishu mutiny

Last updated
2021 Mogadishu mutiny
Date25 April – 6 May 2021
Location
Result Withdrawal of rebels from Mogadishu
Belligerents
Flag of Somalia.svg Somali Armed Forces Flag of Somalia.svg Mutineers
Commanders and leaders
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Saney Abdulle [1]
Units involved
Armed forces from Mogadishu Armed forces from Lower and Middle Shabelle
Strength
Hundreds
Casualties and losses
c. 24 killed, [2] 60,000 – 100,000 displaced [3]

On 25 April 2021, hundreds of Somali soldiers entered Mogadishu opposing extensions of the presidential mandate.

Contents

Background

On 14 April 2021, acting President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed signed a law which extended his mandate by two years. This was opposed by opposition leaders which called it "a threat to the stability, peace and unity" and by the international community. [4]

History

On 25 April 2021, soldiers - mainly from Hirshabelle - entered the Somali capital Mogadishu after president Mohamed approved two years extension of his term in office. Rebels seized northern part of the city clashing with pro-government forces in some neighborhoods. Pro-government soldiers attacked homes of former Somali president and opposition leader. By the end of the day government forces withdrew towards Villa Somalia. [2]

On 6 May 2021, soldiers agreed to withdraw from Mogadishu after series of talks with the Prime Minister, held by the opposition. The police were set to take control of the city. [5] On 8 May 2021, roads were reopened and rebels withdrew from Mogadishu in vehicles towards Lower and Middle Shabelle. [6]

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References

  1. Former Somalia leader says soldiers attacked his house, 25 April 2021
  2. 1 2 Why Somalia’s Electoral Crisis Has Tipped into Violence, 27 April 2021
  3. Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia: Concerns over mass displacements in Mogadishu, 28 April 2021
  4. "Somali president signs law extending mandate for two years". France 24 . 2021-04-14. Archived from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  5. "Somali premier welcomes demilitarization of capital Mogadishu". Anadolu Agency . Archived from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-12-01.
  6. Somalia: SNA mutineers exit Mogadishu following deal with opposition, 8 May 2021