Hassan Ali Khaire condemns the killing of civilians in Deyniile district

MUQDISHO – The former Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khaire, has strongly condemned an incident in which he said civilians were killed today in the Raadeerka neighborhood of Deyniile district, where protests against land grabbing, destruction of homes, and displacement of local people were taking place.

Hassan Ali Khaire extended heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who died in the incident, praying to Allah to have mercy on the three people he said were killed, and also to grant a speedy recovery to those injured.

In a statement he issued, Khaire expressed that he is very saddened by what he described as the use of government power against the peaceful protesters in Deyniile district.

He directed serious accusations at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming that the order to kill civilians came from the leadership of the government. Khaire also described the ongoing actions in the neighborhoods of Deyniile as related to illegal land grabbing, destruction, and displacement.

On the other hand, the former Prime Minister called on the officers and soldiers involved in the operations in the neighborhoods of the district to refrain from abuses against the public, and to protect the lives, dignity, and rights of citizens.

“Once again, I call on the officers and soldiers involved in the killing of civilians and the destruction of their homes to refrain from the abuses they are committing against the people they swore to protect, and to safeguard the lives, dignity, and rights of the public,” he said in his statement.

Khayre also reminded the military officials that there will be a day of accountability for anyone found guilty of crimes against the Somali people.

This statement comes amid tensions arising from the demolition operations of homes and land disputes occurring in parts of the Deyniile district, which have led to complaints and protests by local residents.