Armed youth gang terrorizes residents and spreads fear across Mogadishu

Four years after Mogadishu residents saw major improvements in security, the city is now reportedly facing a new security threat.

Over the past years, Somali authorities and security forces intensified their efforts to strengthen public safety, resulting in a significant reduction in major crimes such as bombings, killings, robbery, and kidnappings in Mogadishu.

Security in Mogadishu has increasingly relied on coordinated efforts between the national government’s forces particularly the police, military-trained units, and the NISA personnel responsible for protecting civilians.

These efforts have also included stronger surveillance, including hidden CCTV camera monitoring, which helped identify and track individuals involved in crimes against security.

However, after four years of relative stability, Mogadishu is now confronted by an organized group of youth gangs calling themselves “Ciyaal Weero.”

The group is reportedly armed with knives and pangas and has been accused of attacking and injuring civilians across the city.

The youths first came to public attention earlier this month through social media posts and videos. In the widely shared footage, the group is seen confronting other youths and issuing threats, including claims that they will kill.

The videos depict youths carrying knives reportedly estimated to be around 50 cm in length.

According to the report, the gang attacked during a small gathering in Deynille District, where youths from the group were seen touring the area. During the event, the children gangs suddenly launched an attack, causing the participants along with other youths present to scatter and flee the scene.

In another video circulating online, a young boy is shown being seriously punished and injured by the group. In the footage, blood is visible on the boy’s shirt around his neck. The youths holding the injured boy are heard saying words including today is your last day.

The unrest is reported to have spread from several districts around Mogadishu, including Kahda, Garasbaley, Deynille, Dharkeynley, and Yaaqshiid.

Some motorbike drivers reportedly told Mustaqbal Media that it has become difficult for them to travel to certain districts where the organized youths are present.

They said they fear for their safety, their property, and the passengers riding on their motorcycles.

So far, Mogadishu’s security services have not officially commented on the incidents. However, during a leadership meeting held the previous week, it was stated that the head of the police ordered the arrest of youths involved in insecurity misconduct across Mogadishu.

The report also notes that while the police leadership ordered arrests of youths known for sharing harmful content online, Mustaqbal Media could not independently confirm whether those specifically targeted are directly connected to the group gang group.

Mustaqbal