Mogadishu, Somalia – Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has issued a sharp warning to the country’s security forces, cautioning them against carrying out forced evictions of civilians from their homes.
His remarks come amid a surge in government-led clearance operations in Mogadishu and surrounding areas, which have displaced thousands of families. Many of the evictions have been linked to disputes over state-owned land and allegations of irregular sales of public property to private investors.
Khaire, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2020, said soldiers must not follow orders that “harm their own mothers,” stressing that the armed forces exist to protect the public rather than uproot them. He described the ongoing operations as a violation of citizens’ dignity and a threat to the fragile trust between the state and its people.
Human rights groups and local activists have repeatedly raised concerns over the manner in which the evictions are being conducted, noting that families are often left without shelter, access to clean water, or basic humanitarian assistance. The timing of the evictions, many taking place during the rainy season, has intensified the suffering of those affected.
Opposition leaders have been vocal on the issue, visiting evicted families and demanding greater accountability in land management. They argue that the government’s actions risk fueling further instability in a country still grappling with displacement from conflict and natural disasters.
Khaire’s warning reflects growing unease within Somalia’s political class over the humanitarian and political fallout of the land disputes. With public anger rising, calls are mounting for the government to halt the evictions and pursue dialogue with affected communities.