Mothers’ House Controversy in Mogadishu

Mogadishu (AX) – A peculiar tension simmered in the heart of Mogadishu early Saturday morning. Somali police forces, in an orchestrated operation, took possession of the Mothers’ House compound. You might wonder, what urgent matter requires such swift action? This iconic site, nestled opposite the Somali National Theater, has become the center of a heated property dispute.

The operation unfolded quietly with the first light. As the city awakened post-prayers, the police moved in with an efficiency that took many by surprise. Their mission? Hand over the property to the Somali Ministry of Family Affairs. However, the operation’s effects rippled through the community, leaving a trail of questions and concerns.

Among the most stirring was the arrest of several members of the Somali National Women’s Association. Imagine the scene: two deputy chairpersons, emblematic of this venerable institution, detained in a swift maneuver. Was this the intended outcome, or an unforeseen byproduct?

Ms. Batulo Sheikh Gabale, the outspoken Chairperson of the Association, issued a sharp rebuke. Her words cut like a knife, pointing blame directly at Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. “This is his doing,” she asserted, rekindling tensions in an already fraught environment. It is important to note that Prime Minister Barre had previously insisted that the premises must be cleared. “The Mothers’ House must be vacated. The National Women’s Association cannot remain in the building,” he had declared, his voice steely with resolve.

Behind the rhetoric lies a more complex narrative: that of alleged financial maneuvering involving private business interests. These allegations claim that certain cabinet members, alongside Barre, are engaged in selling the property piecemeal. Is this situation merely an echo of property disputes seen in cities worldwide? The association fervently believes the building’s historical and cultural significance should be preserved, and they won’t back down easily.

Amidst the rising tide of accusations, Ms. Gabale’s announcement serves as a call to arms. A lawsuit has now been placed before the Banadir Regional Court. It aims to hold the Prime Minister accountable while fiercely opposing the alleged plan to sell this storied edifice. In Gabale’s view, this is not just a legal battle but a fight for legacy and justice.

As the drama unfolds, one might ponder the implications. Properties carry heavy legacies, and displacing their stewards speaks volumes. But, in a city like Mogadishu, where history intertwines with modern realpolitik, what will be the final word in this contest? Only time, it seems, holds the answer.