At least three civilians have been killed and several others wounded during a renewed government land eviction operation in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district, triggering protests and clashes with residents.
The operation took place in the Radar neighbourhood of Dayniile district, where residents had gathered to demonstrate against plans to remove them from land they say they occupy.
Government security forces carried out the eviction operation as tensions escalated between authorities and residents opposed to the planned demolitions and displacement.
At least three people were killed in the operation, while several others sustained injuries, according to reports from the area. The exact number of wounded and their medical conditions were not immediately clear.
The latest confrontation comes amid growing tensions over land ownership and eviction campaigns in parts of Mogadishu, where residents have repeatedly protested against government-backed efforts to clear occupied plots.
Residents of Radar have strongly opposed the operation, arguing that they should not be forced from their homes and properties. The dispute has increasingly strained relations between local communities and government authorities.
Opposition figures have sharply criticised President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, accusing it of restarting forced evictions and seeking to sell land they describe as public property.
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Some local elders have also called on the Murusade community to defend its dignity and residential areas, accusing the president of breaking an earlier agreement concerning the disputed land.
The allegations have added a political and clan dimension to the dispute, raising fears of further tensions if the authorities and affected communities fail to reach an agreement.
The government has not immediately provided a detailed account of Sunday's operation or responded publicly to the latest accusations by opposition figures and local residents.
The renewed eviction campaign has reignited broader concerns over land rights, the protection of civilians and the use of security forces in resolving property disputes in Mogadishu.
Land ownership has long been a contentious issue in the Somali capital, where decades of conflict, displacement and competing claims have complicated efforts to establish clear property rights.
The latest deaths are likely to intensify calls for an investigation into the use of force during eviction operations and for authorities to find a negotiated solution with affected communities.
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.
