Somalia: Former Somali Prime Minister Condemns Civilian Killings During Mogadishu Evictions

What the report says

Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has publicly condemned the killing of civilians during protests tied to house demolitions and alleged forced evictions in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district. According to Shabelle, the violence took place in the Raadeerka neighbourhood, where residents had been demonstrating against what they described as land grabbing, home destruction and displacement.

Khaire said he was saddened by the deaths of three people and expressed sympathy for their families, while also wishing recovery to those injured. He accused the government of using excessive force against residents and said the operations in parts of Dayniile were unlawful. His remarks added to criticism of the handling of demolition and clearance efforts in the capital.

The former prime minister also directed accusations at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alleging that the order behind the killings came from the country’s top leadership. The report says he did not provide evidence for that claim. He urged soldiers and officers involved in the operations to stop abuses and protect civilians, warning that those responsible for crimes against Somali civilians would eventually be held accountable. The episode highlights continuing tensions in Mogadishu over land disputes, evictions and the role of security forces in enforcing demolition campaigns.