Somalia’s opposition calls for peaceful protest in Mogadishu over forced evictions

Somalia’s opposition leaders have announced plans for a major demonstration in the capital on Sunday, protesting what they describe as illegal demolitions and forced evictions of vulnerable residents carried out under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed made the announcement on Wednesday alongside senior opposition figures, stressing that the planned protest will remain peaceful and urging security forces not to interfere with citizens exercising their constitutional rights.

“The right to housing and the freedom to demonstrate is a constitutional right and not a privilege that can be curtailed by the State,” Sheikh Sharif said.

The opposition accuses the government of overseeing a sustained campaign of demolitions targeting informal settlements in Mogadishu.

They argue that the operations have displaced hundreds of thousands of vulnerable residents over the past two years, deepening the capital’s already severe internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis.

They also allege that state land and privately occupied plots have been illegally sold during the eviction process, further aggravating tensions in the city.

According to the opposition, the demolitions have disproportionately affected low-income families who were already displaced by conflict and drought.

Sheikh Sharif called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to immediately halt the evictions and uphold constitutional protections.

“I call on President Hassan Sheikh to respect the constitutional right to housing. Every Somali has the right to shelter and security,” he said.

He further appealed directly to Somali youth to take part in the planned demonstration without fear, encouraging broad civic participation in what opposition leaders describe as a peaceful expression of public concern.

“I urge the youth not to be scared, and come out without fear,” he added.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have repeatedly raised concerns over forced evictions in Mogadishu.

They have documented cases in which thousands of internally displaced persons were removed from settlements without adequate notice, consultation, or alternative housing arrangements.

The groups argue that such actions violate international human rights standards and worsen the vulnerability of populations already affected by prolonged conflict and climate-related displacement.

If the planned demonstration proceeds as announced, it would mark one of the largest public political gatherings in Mogadishu in recent years, reflecting rising tensions between the opposition and the federal government.

Opposition leaders said they are still hopeful that authorities will intervene before Sunday to address grievances and prevent possible confrontation between protesters and security forces.

The call for protests comes amid heightened political tensions in Somalia over the absence of a mutually agreed electoral roadmap.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term is set to expire in less than 10 days, intensifying uncertainty over the country’s political transition.

Meanwhile, the Banadir regional administration, which oversees Mogadishu, has not issued an official response to the planned demonstration or the allegations raised by the opposition.