MOGADISHU, Somalia — At least three people, including two children and a pregnant woman, were killed after Somali police launched an operation to evict families from state-owned land in Mogadishu, witnesses said.
The operation triggered an exchange of gunfire between police and armed men described by residents as defending families facing eviction near the Polosio School area, a witness said.
He said police units raided homes at dawn, using bulldozers to demolish houses and forcing residents to flee with whatever belongings they could carry.
Two children were killed in the crossfire, he said, adding that a pregnant woman later died from her injuries while being taken to a hospital.
Family members of the woman demanded justice, saying they would not bury her body until those responsible are held accountable.
“They opened fire on us without warning,” said a woman who was evicted. “People were killed and others were wounded.”
Ali Farah, a resident, said families were caught off guard as troops entered the area while they were still asleep in their homes.
“We have nothing to relocate with. Our belongings are scattered in the streets,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Somali police or Hamar-jajab district officials on the allegations of civilian deaths during the operation.
Since the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, many state-owned buildings in Mogadishu have been occupied by families, some of whom use them as homes.
Some residents and opposition figures accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of selling state-owned properties in the capital, amid pledges to hold one-person, one-vote system.
Reliable sources say business groups are seeking to acquire some of the land for real estate development, offering large sums of money in return.
Analysts say land grabbing has long been a major issue in Mogadishu since Siad Barre’s military regime was overthrown in 1991.
Residents and activists allege that some officials have used their positions to influence land disputes and evictions for personal gain.
Many residents say fear of eviction and retaliation has kept them from speaking out, as corruption continues to undermine fair land management in Mogadishu.
