Tuesday October 14, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of
opposition groups, has strongly condemned the recent arrests and threats
against journalists and members of a committee defending the rights of people
displaced from Mogadishu’s Sinai Market.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Forum said the actions
constitute a “clear violation” of the Provisional Federal Constitution and
Islamic law, both of which guarantee freedom of speech, property rights, and
the safety of Somali citizens.
The group denounced the arrest of journalist Khadar
Abdirixiin of Himilo TV, who was reportedly detained while preparing a report
on the grievances of families displaced from the Sinai Market area.
The statement also noted that several members of the
committee advocating for the rights of the displaced were arrested, including
Ibrahim Abdi Gurey, Abdullahi Ali Raage, and Daahir Mohamud.
According to the Forum, the arrests were unlawful and aimed
at silencing the voices of displaced residents whose homes and properties were
allegedly seized by government agencies with the support of security forces.
The opposition coalition called for the immediate release of
the detained journalist and committee members, urging authorities to end what
it described as intimidation and abuse against citizens. The Forum also
appealed directly to the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia to
intervene and address the escalating situation.
In recent months, the federal government has reclaimed
several public lands in Mogadishu for redevelopment projects. However,
opposition figures have accused authorities of a lack of transparency in the
process, alleging that some reclaimed properties were sold to private business
interests.