MOGADISHU, Somalia – Forced evictions in Somalia’s capital have surged under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, displacing tens of thousands of residents and exacerbating homelessness in a city already strained by decades of conflict and displacement.
Since HSM returned to power in May 2022, security forces have demolished homes in neighborhoods like Tarabunka, Siinaay, and Daynile, often to reclaim public land allegedly sold to businessmen close to the government.
Social media posts from journalists and activists document dawn raids by bulldozers and armed police, leaving families—many internally displaced persons (IDPs)—without shelter or compensation.
One recent post highlighted widespread homelessness, stating: “Homelessness has become widespread in Mogadishu after HSM’s government confiscated properties belonging to many city residents,” accompanied by images of affected areas.
Another described police assaulting a mother and children during an eviction, sparking human rights concerns.
Critics, including opposition leaders and former presidents, accuse the government of land grabs to enrich allies and fund political campaigns.
Protests erupted in September 2025, with thousands demonstrating against demolitions in Hodan and Daynile districts; at least one person was killed by security forces.
The Norwegian Refugee Council reported over 143,500 evictions in 2024 alone, mostly in Mogadishu, destroying infrastructure worth millions and swelling IDP camps.
UN figures estimate 50,000 displaced since mid-2024.
Government officials defend the looting operations as necessary for business, security, and clearing unsafe structures.
Some evictions target collapsing buildings or aim to restore public spaces, they say, amid Mogadishu’s first prolonged calm in years.
Yet journalists covering the issue face arrests; in October 2025, police raided Himilo Media’s studio, detaining reporters for reports on vulnerable families.
Abductions of women resisting evictions have also been reported.
Even Al-Shabaab has weighed in, threatening action against those involved in land sales, vowing no development on seized property.
Opposition figures, including ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, have postponed protests for security reasons but warn of escalating unrest. With no clear electoral roadmap and IDPs now comprising over a third of Mogadishu’s population, the crisis risks deeper political instability.
Humanitarian groups call for transparent land policies and alternative housing. As one displaced resident posted: families stage protests after homes are raided at dawn, with land sold off despite long-term occupancy.