Sunday March 19, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali police have arrested several members of suspected youth gangs in Elasha Biyaha, located approximately 15 km south of Mogadishu, following a security operation on Saturday night. The gangs, armed with knives and machetes, were apprehended while robbing people in the Jabad Geelle neighbourhood. The General Police Command Banadir region issued a statement noting that operations against gangs and bandits are progressing well, and they are committed to redoubling these efforts.
Two nights ago, members of a youth gang brutally killed a well-known young man in the Karaan district of Mogadishu.
At the National Consultative Conference held in Baidoa last week, federal and regional state leaders agreed to accelerate efforts to stop drug gangs and coordinate various initiatives nationwide.
Residents of Mogadishu have been raising concerns about increased crimes committed by youth gangs known locally as "Ciyaal Weero."
Somali Public Agenda recently
published a report highlighting the rise of youth gangs in Mogadishu. These gangs are often involved in violent crimes, including robbery, extortion, and murder. The report attributes the increase in Ciyaal Weero to several factors, including the lack of educational and employment opportunities for young people, weak law enforcement, and the proliferation of small arms in the city.