Fighting has broken out in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, between different sections of the security forces.

Heavy weapons have been used and there are reports of mortar fire near the presidential palace.

Some of the military units support President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed while others are opposed to him.

Last week Mr Mohamed – known as Farmajo – controversially approved a two-year extension of his term in office. His mandate officially ended in February.

The move was strongly criticised by the international community including the UN and the African Union.

Reports from Mogadishu on Sunday said what started as localised clashes spread to other parts of the city including central areas.

Local media said the fighting was between pro-government forces and military units that support the opposition, but some former warlords and clan leaders are also involved in the clashes.

It was not clear if there were casualties.

Caasimada Online, a privately owned website, said anti-government protesters were burning tyres and parts of north Mogadishu were under the control of rebel soldiers.

The protesters are reportedly chanting: “We do not want a term extension. We do not want Farmajo. We do not want dictatorship.”

In a post on Twitter, former Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said soldiers had attacked his residence.

Somalia has been torn by conflict for decades but had been moving towards stability since 2012 when a new internationally backed government was installed.

However, delayed elections following the end of President Mohamed’s mandate in February have thrown the country into renewed chaos. Some international donors have also pulled out, causing a cash crunch for the government.

Somali elections are conducted under a complex indirect system where clan elders select MPs, who in turn choose the president.

But this time there have been regional squabbles over how power is distributed – and a row over a new election commission.

The UN Security Council said on Friday that the political deadlock was diverting attention from serious problems including the pandemic, a locust invasion and Islamist militancy.

Source: BBC