(19/08/23) MOGADISHU – An intense overnight standoff that gripped Mogadishu’s Dharkenlay District came to a close on Saturday morning, as General Shegow and his forces finally surrendered to a police contingent led by the Banadir Regional Police Commander, Macalin Mahdi.
This high-stakes clash was not just another skirmish in the Somali capital. It unravelled layers of a narrative that traces back to 2012 when Shegow, hailing from the Jareereyn clan, defected from Al Shabaab to the government side, bringing with him a force of 50 to 100 fighters. He swiftly rose to prominence within the Somali National Army, achieving the rank of captain due to his valour. His recent exit from the SNA, reasons for which remain concealed from public knowledge, only compounds the mystery surrounding his latest clash with the authorities.
The confrontation began around 8:30 pm on Friday, stemming from an unexpected police raid on Shegow’s residence. Eyewitnesses reported to Halqabsi News that the skirmish ignited when Military Police forces responded to a disturbance in the district, believed to be linked to Shegow’s forces. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in casualties on both sides.
By the standoff’s conclusion, reports confirmed the unfortunate demise of four individuals, three from the Military Police and one civilian, with several others injured. The aftermath of the battle saw 25 of Shegow’s men arrested, seven of whom were wounded.
While the reasons behind the police raid and the resultant clash remain shrouded in mystery, government officials have previously expressed unease over General Shegow and his forces’ continued presence in Mogadishu, especially given the district’s tribal dynamics.
Moreover, the skirmish’s repercussions weren’t limited to the ground. All international flights to and from Mogadishu were cancelled except Turkish Airlines in the wake of the fighting. Major carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Fly Dubai, which served as key connectivity points for Somalis globally, halted their operations. This disruption has delivered a significant economic blow to both the people and the government due to grounded planes.
Adding to the chaos, a mortar shell struck the SOMALI CIVIL AVIATION (SCA) school near the Mogadishu airport, injuring two individuals. Another mortar was confirmed to have landed inside the Halane Camp, though fortunately without causing any harm.
Residents of Mogadishu now seek clarity and assurance from the government. This battle marked as one of the fiercest standoffs between government forces in recent years, highlights the pressing need for unity and coherent strategy in the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia.
The immediate challenge for the Somali authorities will be managing the fallout from this event, ensuring transparency, and working to prevent any potential retaliation or further escalations in the region.
Halqabsi News
