Middle Shabelle, Somalia – Armed militias from the Mataan Abdulle clan held a show of force this week in protest against what they claim is an illegal land grab for the construction of a satellite base near the coastal town of Warsheikh in the Middle Shabelle region.
The protest emerged after construction materials were reportedly offloaded onto land claimed by the clan.
In a clear warning to developers, the militias dumped the materials themselves and threatened to take further action if the project proceeds without community consent.
The companies targeted by the warning include the Turkish construction firm Al Bayrak and another unnamed company reportedly involved in the planned project.
Clan elders and armed supporters gathered near the disputed site, denouncing what they described as a violation of traditional land rights and lack of consultation with local communities.
Al Bayrak, which has been involved in various infrastructure projects across Somalia, has not issued an official response to the claims.
Somali government authorities in the Middle Shabelle region also remained silent on the matter at the time of reporting.
Tensions over land ownership and development projects have flared up repeatedly in Somalia, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where clan affiliations and customary law play a major role in land tenure.
Security analysts warn that unless addressed through dialogue and inclusive planning, such disputes could escalate into broader instability in regions recovering from past conflict.
Local officials are reportedly attempting to mediate between the clan and involved parties to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution.