Somali police forces from the Haramcad unit reportedly opened fire on protesters in Mogadishu’s Buulo Eelay neighborhood, injuring a Somali woman who was participating in the demonstration and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred in the Waberi district, where tensions have escalated following protests linked to allegations of land seizures and forced evictions.
Residents have reportedly been demonstrating against what they describe as an ongoing land dispute involving authorities and developments they associate with the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Videos recorded by Kaab TV appear to show members of the Haramcad police unit firing toward protesters as demonstrations were taking place in the area. The footage reportedly shows residents moving slowly through the streets while security personnel respond with gunfire.
The confrontation between residents of Buulo Eelay and the Haramcad forces has reportedly resulted in casualties and heightened tensions in the neighborhood.
Land disputes have become a recurring source of tension in the capital, where rapid urban expansion, competing claims over property and the return of displaced residents have contributed to conflicts between communities, landowners and authorities.
Residents involved in the demonstrations say they are demanding protection of their homes and property and want authorities to address their grievances through dialogue rather than the use of force.
The deployment of heavily armed police units to areas where demonstrations are taking place has also raised concerns about the potential for peaceful protests to escalate into violent confrontations.
The shooting has renewed questions about the conduct of security forces when dealing with demonstrations in Mogadishu.
The use of live ammunition against protesters, could further intensify tensions and raise concerns about the protection of civilians and the right to peaceful assembly.
Authorities have yet to provide a detailed public account of the circumstances surrounding the shooting or explain whether the officers involved were responding to an immediate security threat.
The situation in Buulo Eelay remains tense, and further confrontation between residents and security forces could disrupt daily life, movement and commercial activities in the Waberi area.
A peaceful resolution would likely require authorities to investigate the reported shooting, establish the circumstances that led to the use of firearms and address residents’ land-related grievances through dialogue.