Mogadishu is witnessing a troubling rise in gang activity fueled by drug and alcohol abuse. Once seen as a relatively minor problem compared to terrorism, gang violence is now a serious security concern. Many young Somalis, facing unemployment, poverty, and social marginalization, are turning to drugs, alcohol, and organized criminal groups. These gangs rob businesses, claim territories, and trade stolen goods for drugs, creating a vicious cycle of crime. Authorities have long underestimated the threat, with senior officials dismissing gangs as mere juvenile delinquents. But the Somali Police Force now acknowledges the scale of the problem as serious crimes surge. Some gangs even include members of the security forces, raising fears of infiltration. There are also growing concerns that Al Shabaab could exploit gangs to carry out attacks.
Mogadishu’s streets are filled with armed soldiers and police, but instead of ensuring safety, many have become a source of fear for civilians. In Somalia’s capital, minor disputes such as traffic jams or right-of-way arguments too often escalate into deadly shootings. VIP convoys, flanked by heavily armed escorts, plow through congested streets, with young, sometimes intoxicated gunmen ready to fire at the slightest provocation. Recent incidents in December highlight this deadly trend: innocent civilians, including university graduates, a medical student, and even fellow security personnel, were killed by indiscriminate gunfire. While some perpetrators face arrest, many evade justice due to political connections, intimidation of victims’ families, or reliance on Somalia’s flawed mix of customary and formal legal systems. Blood money settlements often replace criminal accountability, further fueling impunity. This unchecked violence erodes public trust in the state and pushes some Somalis to seek justice from Al-Shabaab courts. Experts warn that without serious security sector reform, accountability measures, and discipline, Mogadishu’s cycle of violence will persist undermining governance, stability, and citizens’ safety. Breaking the pattern of impunity is essential if Somalia is to protect its people and restore faith in its institutions.