Families of Tarabuunka Clash Victims Protest Displacement and Lack of Justice

MOGADISHU – Relatives of those killed in the recent clashes in the Tarabuunka neighborhood of Hodan District have raised concerns over forced displacement and the lack of accountability. One of the affected family members said they recently met with federal lawmakers representing the Banadir region to discuss the situation of those impacted by the violence.

The clashes, which involved federal government forces and clan-based militias, resulted in deaths and injuries among civilians who were at home during the fighting.

Nabadoon Muuse Dheere, a relative of some of the victims, said the meeting took place at Hodan district headquarters. During the meeting, the lawmakers reportedly suggested relocating civilians from government-owned land, which is being repurposed for new government offices or commercial developments.

“The lawmakers told us that civilians would be moved from government land, but there is no formal plan or evidence of compensation for those affected,” Nabadoon Muuse Dheere said.

Since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was re-elected in 2022, there has been a rise in forced evictions in areas claimed as public land, some of which have reportedly been transferred to private business interests or earmarked for government projects.

Families of those killed or injured in the Tarabuunka clashes are calling for justice and an end to abuse of power. They stress that civilians should not suffer under the pretext of “public interest.”

Concerns continue to grow over the displacement of residents who have lived in their homes for many years without receiving lasting solutions or proper compensation. Advocates say addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring the protection of civilians and upholding the rule of law in Mogadishu.