MOGADISHU (WDN) – The Haramcad unit, known for its advanced counterterrorism and urban warfare training of Somalia’s elite police unit, staged a mutiny on Sunday morning, bringing traffic to a standstill along the vital Mogadishu–Afgoye corridor in protest over unpaid salaries and unaddressed grievances.

The incident occurred in the Ex-Control Afgoye area, a major junction on the outskirts of the capital, where the disgruntled officers set up roadblocks and intermittently fired live rounds into the air to disperse civilians. Eyewitnesses reported that the troops were visibly agitated, expressing frustration over months of salary delays and the government’s failure to meet their entitlements.

The blockade caused severe disruption to the movement of people and goods between Mogadishu and Afgoye, affecting hundreds of commuters and travelers who were left stranded in the scorching heat.

“This isn’t just about money. We have families to feed, and we’ve risked our lives for this country. We deserve better,” said one protesting officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to sources on the ground, the situation was eventually defused when senior security officials arrived at the scene and persuaded the mutineers to stand down with assurances that their complaints would be addressed through official channels.

Haramcad elite police unit was established with support from the Turkish government. However, the unit has recently come under scrutiny following a controversial leadership reshuffle. The former commander, Fanax, was removed from his post and replaced by a figure reportedly closely related to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, raising concerns about politicization within the ranks.

This incident adds to growing unrest within Somalia’s security apparatus, where reports of unpaid salaries and poor conditions have become increasingly frequent. Observers warn that if left unaddressed, such grievances could undermine discipline within critical national security units at a time when Somalia faces mounting threats from insurgent groups and political instability.

WardheerNews