Khayre Tells Somali Army Not to Target Civilians on Orders From “Expired Leadership”

Sunday, May 24, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Former Somali prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire has strongly condemned the Somali government over what he described as a crackdown against civilians and youth in Mogadishu, accusing the leadership of abusing state security forces to silence opposition voices.

In a sharply critical statement, the former prime minister warned the Somali National Army not to follow “illegal political orders” from “a president whose mandate has expired,” saying the military must protect the nation instead of being used against its own people.

“We are receiving disturbing reports that young people in Mogadishu are being hunted during night operations. Soldiers are being sent after civilians instead of fighting enemies of the country,” Khayre said.

He accused security forces of conducting late-night raids, intimidating families, arresting youths, and in some cases looting mobile phones and valuables from residents during operations in Mogadishu.

“This is not a lawful government process. This is intimidation and persecution,” he stated.

Khayre said the ongoing operations raise serious concerns about the misuse of state power ahead of planned opposition demonstrations.

“The government failed to carry out such operations during the past four years, yet suddenly they are targeting youths and opposition supporters,” he added.

The former premier also urged Somali youth not to remain silent, calling on them to peacefully raise their demands through demonstrations and social media campaigns.

“Young people cannot be intimidated for standing up for their rights. Peaceful protest is guaranteed under the constitution,” he said.

Khayre announced that a major public demonstration will be held in Mogadishu on 4 June 2026, calling on citizens to participate peacefully against what he described as growing repression.

His remarks are expected to intensify political tensions in the capital, where opposition leaders have increasingly accused the government of shrinking political space and using security institutions against critics.

The federal government has not yet responded to the accusations.