Somali police seize Mothers’ House, detain women’s association leaders as PM Barre faces allegations of selling the historic building to private interests.
Mogadishu witnessed a dramatic escalation on Saturday as Somali police stormed the Mothers’ House compound, forcibly evicting the Somali National Women’s Association (SNWA) and arresting its deputy leaders. The crackdown, allegedly ordered by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, has ignited a political firestorm, with accusations that the government is handing over the historic property to private business interests.
The operation—conducted under the cover of dawn—has sparked outrage. Why the urgency? Why now? SNWA leaders claim Barre’s administration has sold out to well-connected elites, eager to commercialize the site for profit. If true, this move exposes the government’s willingness to dismantle national institutions for economic gain, with little regard for historical and social significance.
The raid raises disturbing questions about Somalia’s governance. If the Prime Minister can override due process, seize property, and jail respected female leaders at will, what does that mean for civil society? Is this the future of Somalia’s democracy?
A legal battle is now underway at the Banadir Regional Court, but given Somalia’s notorious corruption, will justice prevail? Or will power and money decide the fate of Mothers’ House?
