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The Somali Salvation Forum, the country’s main opposition coalition, has strongly criticized the recent arrests and forced evictions carried out by federal forces in the Dab-dhamiiska neighborhood of Wadajir district. In a statement released on Tuesday, the coalition said it had gathered reliable reports showing that residents were forcibly removed from their homes and subjected to serious hardship during the operation. According to the Forum, these actions have deeply disrupted the lives of many families and violated their most basic rights.
The coalition described the evictions as clear abuses of power that go against the Somali constitution and the principles of good governance. It called the operation “reprehensible” and said no government authority should be allowed to undermine citizens’ rights in this way. The Forum demanded that the federal government immediately return all confiscated homes and properties to the affected families, stressing that people should not lose their shelters or belongings due to unlawful or heavy-handed actions by security forces.
The statement also urged the country’s security agencies and government institutions to launch a fast, transparent, and credible investigation into what happened in Dab-dhamiiska. The coalition emphasized that accountability is necessary not only to bring justice to the families who were harmed but also to prevent similar incidents from happening again. It said that those responsible for authorizing or participating in the forced evictions must face appropriate legal consequences.
The Forum expressed concern that such operations create fear among civilians, weaken trust in public institutions, and contribute to instability in neighborhoods that already face social and economic challenges. It insisted that the government has a responsibility to protect citizens, their homes, and their belongings, especially in vulnerable communities. The opposition urged national leaders to step in immediately to stop further violations, ensure that residents are safe, and reaffirm that the rule of law applies to everyone.
In recent months, the federal government has carried out several operations to reclaim what it says are parcels of public land that were illegally sold or repurposed. Government officials argue that some individuals have been profiting from state-owned property by selling it to private businessmen or using it without permission. However, the Somali Salvation Forum says that even if land recovery is necessary, it must be done in a legal and humane manner that does not harm innocent families. The coalition noted that many of the residents affected by the forced evictions are ordinary people who have lived in their homes for years and had no involvement in any alleged land disputes or illegal transactions.
The Forum argued that government actions must always respect due process and prioritize the rights and safety of citizens. It warned that using force to remove families, without proper legal procedures or alternative housing solutions, creates unnecessary suffering and deepens public frustration. The coalition said that if the government continues to reclaim land in this forceful manner, it risks increasing tensions and creating long-term resentment among communities already struggling with poverty and insecurity.
The opposition coalition concluded its statement by calling on Somalia’s leaders to exercise their authority responsibly and ensure that government operations do not turn into violations of human rights. It encouraged the government to work more closely with local communities, consult elders and civil society groups, and use legal frameworks to resolve disputes over land and property. According to the Forum, protecting citizens’ rights should be the highest priority in any government decision.