According to reports released by Solda Safety Network, nearly 567,000 students in Muqdisho have been forced out of education after widespread demolitions and forced evictions targeting families across the capital.

Deadly Midnight Raid in Dayniile

At least 11 people were killed and 19 others injured after Somali Police and National Intelligence forces reportedly carried out a midnight operation in the Warlaliska area of Dayniile district. Witnesses and local residents said the operation was linked to efforts to forcibly remove civilians from disputed land.

Most of the victims were reportedly women and children sleeping inside their homes when gunfire erupted during the raid.

Residents accused security forces of using excessive force during the operation, while families displaced from the area described scenes of panic, destruction, and chaos.

Nearly 800,000 Families Facing Evictions

Human rights activists estimate that close to 800,000 families in Muqdisho have been affected by forced evictions and demolitions allegedly carried out under government-backed land clearance operations.

Many of the displaced families reportedly possessed legal ownership documents for their properties, raising concerns about unlawful land seizures and corruption involving powerful political and business interests.

Among those reportedly displaced are:

• A woman known as Ijaabo, whose image appears on Somali shilling currency
• A respected maternity doctor from Shibis district, Dr. Habibo Abdi Halane
• A blind mosque imam who reportedly served a mosque in Shibis for 47 years

Local sources claim some residents were pressured to pay up to $20,000 in order to avoid demolition orders, while other lands were allegedly transferred to wealthy businessmen in Muqdisho.

Children and Women Hit Hardest

The forced evictions have disproportionately impacted women and children, especially as Somalia continues to face drought, hunger, displacement, and severe flooding in parts of Banaadir region.

Humanitarian organizations warn that the destruction of homes and schools has intensified poverty and disrupted access to education and healthcare for hundreds of thousands of civilians.

Human Rights Concerns

Somalia’s independent human rights institutions have also raised alarm over alleged abuses linked to the crackdown.

A recent statement issued after prison inspections claimed that young protesters arrested during demonstrations against the evictions were subjected to serious mistreatment and unlawful detention.

The reports add to growing domestic and international concern over shrinking civic space and increasing repression against dissenting voices.

Allegations of Massive Corruption

Investigations into land transactions in Muqdisho have allegedly uncovered corruption worth more than $467 million, according to reports linked to property registration and notary offices operating in the capital.

Additional allegations involve leaked bank documents reportedly obtained by Sunatimes News Agency, allegedly showing a senior police official receiving more than $16 million through suspicious transactions.

The federal government has not publicly responded in detail to the allegations.

Political Crisis Escalates

The crisis has further intensified after Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi threatened opposition groups planning demonstrations in Muqdisho on 4 June 2026.

Opposition leaders accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of extending his mandate unlawfully after his official term allegedly expired on 15 May 2026. The president has declared that his administration will continue until 15 May 2027, a move strongly rejected by opposition politicians and members of Somalia’s bicameral parliament.

Videos circulating on social media reportedly show President Hassan Sheikh previously stating publicly that he would not seek a term extension.

Questions for International Donors

The worsening situation has also raised questions about the role of international donors supporting Somalia’s federal institutions.

Somalia’s security forces and government operations receive substantial financial support from international partners including the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, United Nations, and the World Bank.

Critics and activists are now questioning why international actors have remained largely silent over allegations of forced displacement, human rights violations, and land seizures affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians in Muqdisho.

@Sunatimes News Agency

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