Somali Government Urges Rapid Removal of Burials from School Policia Cemetery in Mogadishu

Mogadishu (AX) – Residents of Mogadishu have ten days to remove their relatives’ remains from the School Policia cemetery, where a naval base is set to be constructed.

At a press briefing held at the cemetery Monday, Defense Minister, Somali Police Force Commander, Banadir region’s Deputy Security Commissioner, and notable Sheikhs demanded the immediate exhumation of bodies.

Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Noor underscored that the land, originally federal property, is intended to serve as a command hub for the Somali Navy and Coastal forces.

“From Marino Gate airport’s entrance to Yerdemeli hospital, this land, historically a public asset, now serves urgent governmental needs. The Navy and Coastal Army will be situated here,” declared Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Noor.

Reports last month suggested the federal government’s intention to exhumate bodies in the Hamar Jajab district cemetery. The first body removed, following these reports, was that of noted comedian Abdi Muriidi Dheere (Ajakis), who passed away in September 2021.