Residents of Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, are expressing growing concern over the emergence of youth gangs commonly known as “Ciyaal Weero,” who are accused of carrying out acts of violence, intimidation and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.
The development comes as Jowhar remains a strategically important city and administrative center of Hirshabelle, located in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region.
While government forces continue to control the city, security challenges persist both inside Jowhar and in surrounding areas where Al-Shabaab remains active.
The term Ciyaal Weero is widely used in Somalia to describe groups of youths involved in street violence, robberies, gang-related crimes and disturbances that affect local communities.
Residents say the presence of such groups has increased fears among business owners, commuters and families, particularly during evening hours.
Security forces have responded with a series of operations aimed at improving law and order. In April 2026, units of the elite Gorgor Commandos conducted security sweeps across several neighborhoods, public spaces and key roads in Jowhar.
Authorities said the operations were intended to curb criminal activity and strengthen security within the city, while urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The Somali National Army’s leadership has also emphasized the importance of maintaining security in and around Jowhar.
In May 2026, senior military officials called on troops stationed in the region to intensify stabilization efforts and strengthen cooperation with local communities to prevent both criminal activity and militant infiltration.
According to a June 2026 assessment by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the city remained under the control of government forces and allied units, while parts of Middle Shabelle continued to witness competition for influence between government forces and Al-Shabaab.
This makes Jowhar a critical frontline city in the broader security landscape of central Somalia.
Analysts note that Jowhar faces a dual challenge: addressing rising urban crime and gang activity while simultaneously guarding against threats posed by Al-Shabaab in nearby areas.
The city’s location near contested territory means that security agencies must balance local law enforcement with broader counterinsurgency efforts.
The importance of Jowhar’s security was underscored in June 2026 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the city and held meetings with security officials, traditional elders and Hirshabelle leaders.
Discussions focused on strengthening security coordination, improving cooperation between communities and security forces, and supporting ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab.
With concerns over youth gangs growing alongside existing militant threats, residents and community leaders are calling for a comprehensive security strategy that combines law enforcement, youth engagement programs and continued stabilization efforts to ensure Jowhar remains secure and stable.