A suicide bomber was killed after detonating a bomb near a presidential palace in the Somali capital Mogadishu, leaving seven civilians injured, PA Media reported.

The press secretary said the driver of the car did not obey the order to stop and the police opened fire. More than ten vehicles were destroyed in the explosion, he said.

The explosion occurred amid a tense situation when Somali politicians debate on holding national elections.

The elections were set for February 8, and some argue that current president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed should no longer be elected.

He seeks to extend his term of office for another four years. Additional talks are scheduled for Monday on the crisis that has developed in the country in connection with the elections.