Heavy gunfire in Somali capital amid 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 have 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.

The BBC'S Bella Hassan reports that there has been heavy gunfire in several parts of the city.

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

Security forces shot in the air to disperse some protesters.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre says on Facebook that he survived an "assassination attempt".

The government has not yet commented on the protests and shootings.

This article was originally published by BBC News. [Photo: BBC]