Somalia: Security Forces Target Businesses and Former Officials as Mogadishu Tensions Escalate

Mogadishu, Somalia — Political tensions in Somalia’s capital have intensified after security forces carried out operations targeting properties linked to prominent figures associated with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, raising concerns over a deepening political crisis.

On Saturday, heavily armed security personnel entered the Elite Hotel, a well-known beachfront establishment in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district. The hotel is owned by Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, a former government minister, who accused the authorities of attempting to seize or destroy his property.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Nur said security forces arrived at the hotel at around 11:30 local time and surrounded the premises. He alleged that employees and security guards were gathered in one area while officers conducted what they described as a search operation.

Mr Nur claimed that weapons and explosives brought onto the premises by the security forces were later photographed in an attempt to justify action against the hotel.