MOGADISHU, Somalia, October 18, 2023 — A man who had been missing for two days was found dead outside his home in northern Mogadishu early Wednesday, amid concerns that his killing may have been connected to a dispute over property owned by his family.
Mohamed Hussein Wehliye, a resident of the Waxarcadde neighborhood in Heliwaa district, was reportedly taken near his home after leaving for evening prayers, according to residents who spoke to Somali Eye.
His disappearance prompted concern in the neighborhood before his body was discovered at the entrance to his house at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, residents said.
People familiar with the case told Somali Eye that Wehliye had allegedly been subjected to repeated threats in the weeks and months before his death. The threats were reportedly linked to a dispute over land belonging to his son.
According to residents, pressure had been placed on Wehliye over documents relating to ownership of the property. His son, who was reportedly no longer living in Mogadishu, was said to have retained the land documents.
A neighbor, speaking to Somali Eye on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, said the circumstances surrounding the killing had led residents to suspect a connection to the property dispute.
Land ownership disputes have been a longstanding source of tension in parts of Mogadishu, with residents in some neighborhoods alleging that armed individuals have used threats and force to settle or pursue property claims. Such allegations are difficult to independently verify, and there was no immediate official confirmation identifying those responsible for Wehliye’s death.
Ahmed Ali Culusow, chairman of the Waxarcadde neighborhood, said Wehliye was from a minority community and warned of growing attacks and threats against minority residents in the area, particularly in cases involving land and property disputes.
The case has renewed calls from residents for stronger protection for people involved in property disputes and for security authorities to investigate allegations of threats before they escalate into violence.
Residents are urging authorities to establish how Wehliye was killed, determine who was responsible for taking him and examine whether the reported threats and property dispute were connected to his death.
No person or group had been publicly identified as a suspect in the killing as of Wednesday, and the allegations surrounding the land dispute had not been independently verified.
