Heavy gunfire in Somali capital over protests

Heavy gunfire has been reported in Somali capital, Mogadishu, as a group of opposition leaders defied a government ban on public gatherings and held protests.

Security forces closed most roads in the city over the planned protests.

The opposition parties want President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to leave office after his term ended last week – without the election of a successor.

Opposition presidential candidate, Abdirahman Abdishaku, was among those who tried to lead a march.

Somali government said militiamen attacked army positions in the capital, Mogadishu, close to Presidential Palace but the attack had been repelled.