Somalia, 24 September 2025 – At least one person was reported killed in a shooting incident involving Somali security officers and supporters of the opposition group, the National Salvation Forum, in Mogadishu on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in Wardhiigley district during a press briefing held by the Somali Police Force following an incident in which its security officers were captured on video assaulting a man and a woman in Sinaay Market.
The video which was circulated widely on social media went viral triggering widespread outrage, with both the public and opposition politicians condemning the police officers for violating citizens' rights.
The outrage prompted police bosses in Banadir Region to hold a press conference to cool tensions, admitting that some of their officers were involved in the incident. Four officers were paraded at the press briefing held in Wardhiigley District.
“We promised the public earlier, we are the police and we will bring them to justice, they will face trial,” said Mahdi Cumar Muumin, the Police Commissioner of Banadir Region.
One of the victims alleged that the officers beat him mercilessly, urging that they be taken to court.
“While sitting on a chair, they grabbed my neck. There were five of them. I agree to go to court, whatever the court decides, I will accept,” said the victim, who identified himself as Ahmed.
Ahmed was one of the speakers at a recent gathering organized by the opposition group , the National Salvation Forum, where the government was heavily criticized for various shortcomings.
No sooner had the Wardhiigley press briefing ended than the opposition leaders arrived with armed individuals causing a scuffle leading to an exchange of gunfire. Both the government and the opposition have accused each other of causing the gunfire.
The opposition, later claimed in a press briefing that the shooting incident resulted in casualties, with one person reported dead.
“I extend my condolences to the young men who lost their lives today due to the brutal and unjust attack launched by the government forces under President Hassan,” said former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre.
The opposition condemned the actions as part of an ongoing campaign of human rights violations, political oppression, and government-led intimidation.
