Event Summary
On 24 September 2025, Mogadishu witnessed incidents that indicate violations of citizens’ rights. Security forces violently assaulted a father and mother in the Siinaay neighborhood, prompting a public apology from Police Commander Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi. In addition, clashes occurred between government forces and opposition groups near Siinaay and Dayniile markets, resulting in injuries, casualties, and property damage.
The Somali Federal Government has also been demolishing houses in areas considered government land, displacing residents who were living there. This has led to forced evictions and further restriction of citizens’ access to safe housing and essential services. These actions, combined with violent clashes and attacks on civilians, demonstrate increasing challenges for civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate freely and safely. Citizens’ rights to assembly, expression, and security are under threat, and residents face harassment and uncertainty.
Overall, these events reflect a negative trend in Mogadishu’s political space. The combination of state violence, displacement, and political clashes contributes to a climate of fear and uncertainty. This discourages citizens from participating in civic activities and weakens trust in institutions. Civil society actors may be forced to self-censor or reduce their visibility to avoid being targeted, which limits their effectiveness and reach. There is a need for increased monitoring, documentation of abuses, and coordinated advocacy to protect civic space and ensure accountability.