MOGADISHU: Heavy gunfire shook Somalia’s capital overnight and smoke rose over the city on Thursday, AFP journalists reported, after pitched battles erupted between political factions ahead of planned protests. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud plunged Somalia into a new political crisis in mid May with his announcement that his term, due to expire on May 15, would be extended for a year. The opposition and regional leaders have rejected the move and demonstrations against it were due to take place in Mogadishu on Thursday.

Ex-Somali PM Khaire accuses government forces of attacking him before planned antigovernment protests in Mogadishu.

People in Mogadishu say they endured a "sleepless night" after heavy gunfire rocked Somalia's capital, with smoke rising over the city and armed forces deployed on the streets,…