Hassan Ali Khaire: Condemns Mogadishu Eviction Killings, Cites Excessive Force

• Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the killing of three civilians during protests in Mogadishu's Dayniile district.
• The protests were against house demolitions and forced evictions, which residents described as land grabbing.
• Khaire accused the government of using excessive force and alleged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered the killings, though he provided no evidence.
• He urged military personnel to stop abuses and warned that those responsible for crimes against civilians would be held accountable.
• The incident has intensified public anger over land disputes and the use of security forces in clearance operations in the capital.

He reiterated his powerful plea to those in uniform, declaring, "I once again call on the officers and soldiers being used to kill civilians and destroy their homes to stop the abuses against the people they swore to protect and to respect the lives, dignity and rights of citizens."

Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire recently issued a strong condemnation following the tragic deaths of civilians during protests in Mogadishu. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, occurred in the Raadeerka neighbourhood, part of the Dayniile district, where residents were demonstrating against ongoing house demolitions and forced evictions. Khaire expressed profound sorrow over the loss of three lives and extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, while also wishing a swift recovery to those who sustained injuries during the confrontation. This direct address from a former leader highlights the severity of the situation on the ground.

The protests erupted in response to what local residents characterized as aggressive land grabbing, the destruction of their homes, and the subsequent displacement of communities. These actions have been part of broader operations in Dayniile, which Khaire described as unlawful and a clear violation of citizens' rights. The former prime minister's remarks underscore the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the human cost and social disruption caused by these contentious urban development activities and the use of force against a civilian population. The events in Dayniile district have become a flashpoint for wider grievances.

Hassan Ali Khaire, a prominent figure in Somali politics, explicitly accused the government of deploying excessive force against the protesting residents, leading to the civilian casualties. He asserted that the orders leading to the killings originated from the nation's highest leadership, specifically implicating President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This serious allegation, however, was made without the presentation of any supporting evidence by Khaire. The accusation of direct involvement from the top leadership raises significant questions about command responsibility and the conduct of state security forces.

The former prime minister characterized the ongoing operations within parts of Dayniile as illegal actions, encompassing widespread land seizures, property demolitions, and the involuntary relocation of inhabitants from their homes. He made a direct appeal to military officers and soldiers involved in these activities, urging them to immediately cease abuses against civilians. Khaire emphasized their solemn duty to protect the lives, uphold the dignity, and safeguard the fundamental rights of the populace they are sworn to serve, rather than participate in their harm or displacement. His statement serves as a stark reminder of the ethical obligations of security personnel.

In his statement, Khaire issued a stern warning to security personnel, stating unequivocally that any individual found responsible for committing crimes against Somali civilians would ultimately face accountability for their actions. He reiterated his powerful plea to those in uniform, declaring, "I once again call on the officers and soldiers being used to kill civilians and destroy their homes to stop the abuses against the people they swore to protect and to respect the lives, dignity and rights of citizens." This statement underscores the urgent need for adherence to human rights principles and the rule of law during security operations, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations.

These condemnations from Hassan Ali Khaire Somalia emerge amidst escalating tensions surrounding land disputes and government-initiated demolitions across various areas of Dayniile. The recent fatalities have intensified public outrage regarding the management of land disputes and the deployment of security forces in urban clearance operations within the capital. The incident further fuels concerns about the potential for Somali government excessive force in handling civilian unrest, particularly in the context of sensitive land issues that often involve vulnerable communities. The ongoing "Mogadishu forced evictions" and "Dayniile district demolitions" are indicative of deeper systemic challenges related to land tenure and governance in Somalia.

Lawyers should monitor potential human rights investigations and accountability proceedings related to the Mogadishu evictions, advising clients on associated risks and due diligence requirements regarding land rights and government actions in Somalia.

Source: Original reporting via Shabelle