MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The Somali Rescue Forum has strongly condemned the unlawful arrest of Peacekeeper Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Xaadoole, who was abducted from his home in Mogadishu by police forces after he publicly opposed what he described as the looting and auctioning of public land orchestrated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Sources told Kaab TV that Elder Xaadoole was taken overnight from his residence in the Hamarweyne neighborhood.
He is the brother of MP Osman Xaadoole.
His family believes he is being held in a police cell without charge.
In a statement, the opposition said Hussein Xaadoole, an influential traditional elder, has consistently used his voice to defend local communities against widespread land grabs linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“The arrest of Nabadoon Xaadoole is an attempt to silence the people and intimidate anyone who stands up for their constitutional rights,” the statement read.
The opposition further emphasized that freedom of speech is a constitutional right and that no one should be imprisoned for defending Somalia’s public property.
“The Forum calls for the immediate release of peace activists,” it added.
Just a week ago, Hussein Xaadoole attended a Hawiye clan conference in Mogadishu where he delivered a strong critique of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“Mogadishu has become like Gaza. We were only waiting to be killed and looted, and now it is happening before our very eyes,” Xaadoole told the gathering last week.
He vowed that all looted lands would be reclaimed once Hassan Sheikh’s presidential term ends in May 2026, though uncertainty remains over whether consensus on upcoming elections can be reached.
Xaadoole also urged Mogadishu residents to organize mass protests to stop the ongoing land grabbing.
The Somali government has not yet commented on his arrest.