Former Internal Security Minister and Presidential Advisor Abdullahi Mohamed Nor Accuses Government Forces of Raiding His Elite Hotel in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – Somali government forces carried out a major security operation at the Elite Hotel in Mogadishu’s Lido beach area on Saturday, prompting accusations from the hotel’s owner, who is also a former Federal Government of Somalia Minister of Internal Security, State Minister for Finance and advisor to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), that the raid was intended to destroy the property and loot its contents rather than conduct a legitimate search.

According to a widely circulated social media post by Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, heavily armed troops entered the premises at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time with advanced weaponry, including explosives and materials used for demolishing buildings. The post claims that soldiers completely took control of the hotel, rounded up the limited security guards and staff present, and detained them in a specific area.
It is important to point out that he has recently resigned for his latest position as advisor to the president, due to “unaddressed serious political challenges.”

Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions as troops entered the hotel compound, disarmed the hotel’s guards, and launched extensive searches inside the building. Parts of the hotel’s seaside wall were reportedly demolished to facilitate the operation.

Allegations of Looting and Intentional Destruction

Abdullahi Mohamed Nor, accused the forces of entering with the intention not of conducting a legitimate search but of destroying the hotel and looting all valuables inside. The post alleges that the heavy weapons brought in were intended to facilitate demolition and plunder, after which the perpetrators would fabricate a narrative to justify their actions and tarnish the reputation of the business establishment.

Nor directly attributed responsibility to forces sent by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, holding him accountable for any damage or losses incurred at the commercial property.

According to local sources, the operation was linked to suspicions that weapons belonging to opposition groups were being stored inside the hotel. Reports specifically mentioned individuals affiliated with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed. Security forces were also said to have broken open several hotel room doors while searching the premises for hidden weapons and military equipment.

Context and Political Tensions

The operation comes only days after renewed tensions and clashes between government forces and opposition groups in Mogadishu. Federal authorities say the ongoing operations are intended to recover illegal weapons and maintain public security. However, opposition figures argue that the actions violate previous understandings aimed at reducing tensions between political actors in the capital.

Elite Hotel has been a known venue in Mogadishu’s upscale Lido district. The hotel was previously targeted in a deadly al-Shabaab attack in August 2020, which killed at least 15 people. However, Saturday’s incident appears to involve state security forces rather than terrorist groups.

The severe political crisis escalated after hours of heavy fighting around the Mogadishu residences of former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire and former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed earlier this week, sparking fears of wider conflict. Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused the opposition figures of orchestrating an armed coup attempt.

Concern Over Potential Further Operations

The Somali Salvation Forum expressed concern over reports that the residence of former Somali National Army Commander General Odowaa Yusuf Rage could also be targeted, warning that such actions risk worsening the already fragile political and security situation in Mogadishu.

The operation follows a pattern of federal interventions in areas associated with opposition figures. The Federal Government has previously accused regional leaders of orchestrating attacks through loyal militias, describing such actions as “premeditated acts of aggression aimed at undermining national authority and destabilizing the region.”

No Official Confirmation

As of now, there has been no official confirmation or detailed statement from the Somali government or hotel management regarding the raid. Independent verification of the claims is ongoing, as such incidents often spark significant debate on social media and among opposition voices.

The post has drawn attention to broader concerns about the conduct of security operations, the protection of private property, and the rule of law in the capital.

Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni has accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart, stating that the federal government’s actions have systematically dismantled the federal system. The Elite Hotel incident may further inflame tensions between the federal government and opposition-aligned figures.