2021 Mogadishu mutiny

2021 Mogadishu mutiny
Date25 April – 6 May 2021
Location
Mogadishu, Somalia
Result Withdrawal of rebels from Mogadishu
Belligerents
Somalia Somali Armed Forces Somalia 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.

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]

References

  1. ^ Former Somalia leader says soldiers attacked his house, 25 April 2021
  2. ^ a b 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