[Garowe] Heavily armed elite troops from the Somali police's Haramcad unit have blocked the Ex-Control Afgooye road in Mogadishu, sparking chaos and endangering civilians, eyewitnesses said on Sunday.
The soldiers staged the protest to demand overdue salaries, accusing the federal government of failing to pay them. The demonstration escalated when troops opened fire indiscriminately, putting nearby residents and commuters at risk.
The closure of the Ex-Control Afgooye road, a vital artery used daily by thousands in the capital, brought traffic to a standstill. Vehicles, including cars and tuk-tuks, were stranded for hours, causing widespread disruption and confusion.
Local witnesses said the protest triggered panic as the soldiers fired in multiple directions. "We were trapped, unable to move as bullets flew near us," one commuter said.
The Haramcad unit, trained and supported by Ottoman Turkish forces, has expressed frustration with the outgoing administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over unpaid wages. Sources say the soldiers’ salaries have long been insufficient to meet their basic needs, fueling discontent.
Government officials have yet to comment on the incident, which highlights the growing tensions within Somalia’s security forces amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the country. The unrest underscores challenges facing the federal government as it struggles to maintain order and cohesion among its military units.
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