Somalia Restores Order After Clashes

Somali security forces have restored order in two districts of the capital after clashes between government troops and militias allied with opposition politicians. The violence erupted ahead of planned protests against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to extend his term by a year, a move backed by Parliament through constitutional changes. Opposition figures, including former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire, accused the government of illegal actions and using heavy weapons. The information ministry, in turn, accused Ahmed and Khaire of endangering civilians. International bodies like the United Nations and African Union have urged dialogue to resolve the disputes. Somalia has faced conflict and clan battles since 1991 and continues to grapple with an insurgency led by Al-Shabab.