MUQDISHO (Kaab TV) – On Monday, the Somali opposition condemned the arrest and intimidation of advocates representing families affected by forced evictions in Mogadishu.
In a statement released by the Somali Salvation Council, an opposition coalition, the group accused the Somali government of carrying out widespread evictions in the city, displacing many residents from the Siinaay area in what they described as an unlawful operation that forced thousands of vulnerable families from their homes.
“We condemn the unlawful detention of members of the committees defending the rights of those evicted from Siinaay Market, including Ibrahim Abdi Gurey, Abdullahi Ali Raage, and Daahir Mohamud,” the statement said. “Likewise, the detention of committee members advocating for the displaced families from the former Gahayr University—who spent last night in custody without any legal justification—is an unacceptable abuse of power.”
Meanwhile, two journalists from Himilo Media were also arrested on Sunday after reporting on the forced evictions in Mogadishu.
The journalists — Ahmed Mohamed Adan and Khadar Abdirahim Ibrahim — were detained at the Waberi Police Station, according to the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS).
SJS said Himilo Media has been repeatedly targeted in recent months for its courageous reporting on government human rights violations, including the ongoing forced evictions affecting Mogadishu’s most marginalized communities.
The government has also blocked all attempts by displaced people and human rights defenders to organize peaceful protests — an act viewed as a violation of citizens’ basic rights, which cannot lawfully be restricted or suppressed by state power.
Security forces led by the Banadir Regional Police Commander, Moalim Mahdi — a former member of Al-Shabaab — together with agents from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), are reportedly continuing their campaign of intimidation and harassment against displaced residents and anyone attempting to defend their rights.
“It is unacceptable that poor people who have been displaced and stripped of their land and property should also face arrest, threats, and silencing. Such actions are clear violations of the fundamental rights of citizens,” the opposition’s statement added.