Somali Opposition Leaders Condemn Mogadishu Evictions, Raise Alarm Over Turkish F-16s
Somali opposition leaders have condemned government-led demolitions and forced evictions in Mogadishu, with former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed alleging that Turkish F-16 fighter jets were used to intimidate families in the Tokyo area of Yaqshiid.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somali opposition leaders and political figures met in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss a government-led campaign of demolitions and forced evictions, with particular concern over operations affecting residents of the Tokyo area of Yaqshiid district.
The meeting came amid growing political tensions over land demolitions in the capital, with opposition figures accusing the government of using security forces to remove residents from homes and businesses. Similar concerns have been raised in recent months over eviction operations in several parts of Mogadishu.
Former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, leader of the Himilo Qaran party, spoke at a press briefing following the meeting and sharply criticised the government's handling of the land operations.
He accused Hassan Sheikh's administration of deploying state security forces against civilians and warned that the demolitions and evictions risked deepening tensions in Mogadishu. Several people were reportedly killed and wounded in the fire against the residents by the government soldiers.
Ahmed also alleged that Turkish F-16 fighter jets were being used to intimidate families who had been forcibly removed from their homes in the Tokyo area of Yaqshiid. The allegation could not immediately be independently verified.
Turkey has deepened its military relationship with Somalia in recent years, including through a defence cooperation agreement and the deployment of Turkish military assets to support Somalia's security sector. Reports in February 2026 said Turkish F-16 aircraft had been deployed to Somalia.
The opposition meeting focused broadly on the impact of the government's land operations on residents, particularly families facing displacement without what critics describe as adequate alternatives.
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Opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the federal government of carrying out unlawful demolitions and land seizures, while the government has maintained that its operations are linked to efforts to regulate land and urban development.
The dispute has become one of several flashpoints between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration and opposition groups, alongside disagreements over constitutional changes and the country's electoral process.
Residents in other parts of Mogadishu have also staged protests against demolitions. On August 13, people in Waberi district demonstrated against forced evictions and the destruction of homes and businesses. Local reports said security forces used live ammunition during the protests and that at least one civilian was wounded.
The latest meeting is likely to add pressure on the government as opposition figures seek to rally public attention around the displacement issue.
Sharif and other opposition leaders have called for authorities to halt what they describe as the excessive use of force and to pursue dialogue with affected communities.
The dispute over land and evictions has increasingly taken on a political dimension in Mogadishu, where competition over property, security and access to land has long been a sensitive issue.
With opposition groups stepping up their criticism, the government's handling of the demolitions could further complicate efforts to reduce political tensions in the capital and reach agreement on wider national issues.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.