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The Somali Salvation Forum, one of Somalia’s main opposition alliances, has strongly criticized what it says are ongoing abuses against civilians in parts of Mogadishu, especially in the Yaqshiid district. In a statement released on Saturday, the Forum raised concerns about reports of looting, forced evictions, intimidation, and other violations that have left residents feeling unsafe and unprotected.
The group expressed deep condolences following the death of Abdullahi Abdi Raage, a young man from the Buulo-Geesaale neighborhood. According to the Forum, Abdullahi had lived in the area for many years and was among the residents affected by the recent wave of forced displacement. Witnesses told the opposition group that Abdullahi was killed after trying to speak out against the evictions taking place in his community. His death, the Forum said, reflects a growing pattern of excessive force being used against ordinary people who are simply trying to defend their homes and express their rights.
The Somali Salvation Forum also condemned the arrest of Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, widely known as Saawey, a photographer with Himilo Media. Saawey was detained while covering the displacement of families in the district. The Forum argued that detaining a journalist for doing his job undermines press freedom and sends a dangerous message about the treatment of media workers in the country. The statement emphasized that independent reporting is essential for transparency and accountability, and that targeting journalists only increases fear and limits public awareness.
In addition to the arrests of civilians and journalists, the Forum criticized the detention of Kamil Abdi Macow, a staff member working with the Mogadishu local government. The opposition bloc described his detention as unlawful and said it reflects wider concerns about how security agencies operate. The group accused these agencies of acting outside the law and using unnecessary force that has resulted in civilian casualties and increased tension in the affected neighborhoods.
Throughout their statement, the Somali Salvation Forum stressed that forced displacement is not only harmful but also destabilizing. They explained that when families are removed from their homes without due process, it creates long-term problems, including trauma, loss of property, and community breakdown. The Forum stated that such actions further weaken public confidence in government institutions and risk deepening mistrust between the state and its citizens.
The opposition bloc urged the government to immediately stop all displacement activities in the area. They called on national leaders, including the President and senior security officials, to thoroughly investigate the incidents and take strong action against anyone responsible for abuses. According to the Forum, holding those officials accountable is critical for restoring trust and preventing future violations. They also stressed the importance of protecting civil rights, guaranteeing the safety of journalists, and ensuring that communities are treated with dignity.
The statement concluded with a warning that if these issues continue, they could damage Somalia’s image both domestically and internationally. The Forum argued that a nation’s reputation depends on how it treats its people and how well it upholds the rule of law. They urged authorities to make decisions that promote peace, fairness, and respect for human rights, saying that these are essential for building a stable and trustworthy government.