Today reminded us of a truth we’ve known for far too long: Mogadishu cannot be a city of peace while war weapons roam its streets. The government’s ban on dhshiike and dabo-jeex inside the capital isn’t just another piece of paper — it’s a lifeline. And if we don’t enforce it, yesterday’s chaos will repeat itself tomorrow.
Wardhiigley Attack: A Wake-Up Call
On the streets of Wardhiigley, gunmen armed with heavy weapons stormed a police station. Some of them are accused of having ties to Al-Shabaab. The attack left officers and civilians shaken, and it sent a clear message: as long as heavy weapons remain in the hands of militias, no one in Mogadishu is safe — not the police, not the neighborhoods, not even the fragile trust that holds this city together.
The Law Must Mean Something
Somalis have heard laws before. Too many times, bold declarations have faded into dust because no one enforced them. This cannot be one of those cases. A law without enforcement is just ink. And a city that tolerates war weapons in its markets, mosques, and schools is a city that accepts violence as normal. Mogadishu deserves better.
Security Forces on the Frontline
The Somali Police Force and National Army now face a test of credibility. Will they seize and confiscate heavy guns, no matter who carries them? Or will politics, clan ties, and hesitation keep the city hostage? Protecting citizens is more than a slogan — it’s checkpoints, arrests, prosecutions, and the courage to act without fear or favor.
Citizens Cannot Stay Silent
But let’s be honest: the police can’t do this alone. Every Mogadishu resident has a role. Refuse to shelter armed men. Report when war weapons enter your neighborhood. Stop normalizing the sight of technicals with cannons on civilian roads. Silence is complicity, and complicity feeds chaos.
The Future Mogadishu Deserves
Picture a capital where a child can kick a football in Wardhiigley without ducking at the sound of gunfire. Imagine businesses running without intimidation, families gathering without fear, and schools free of the shadow of armed groups. That Mogadishu is not a dream — but it requires the courage to act now.
The Bottom Line
The government has spoken. Heavy weapons are banned. The Wardhiigley attack proves why. What happens next will decide whether Mogadishu drifts back into lawlessness or finally steps into the future it deserves. Peace is not a gift. Peace is enforced.
