Ex-Somali Leaders Denounce Land Grabs, Accuse Government of Constitutional Breaches
Somalia’s Land Disputes: A Deepening Crisis Amid Growing Tensions
In the heart of Mogadishu, the complex and emotionally charged issue of land ownership has ignited a storm of controversy. As three former Somali presidents voice their concerns over the government’s handling of public land, the capital finds itself at a crossroads—contending not only with legal and political challenges but the human cost of displacement.
Clash of Past and Present Leaders
This week, a powerful message emerged from some of Somalia’s most influential political figures. Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo spoke in unison against the policies of the current administration led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their statement painted a vivid picture of frustration, accusing the government of violating both constitutional protections and fundamental human rights.
“The plight of Mogadishu’s citizens requires urgent attention,” they declared. “May Allah have mercy on those caught in the violence, and may the injured heal swiftly.” Such heartfelt words underscore the deep anguish felt across the city. But what’s driving this discord, and what does it mean for Somali society?
The Legal Battlefield
At the center of the controversy are intricate constitutional provisions meant to safeguard Somalia’s public lands. Articles 25, 26, and 43 of the Provisional Constitution, alongside specific laws governing land distribution, outline clear steps for managing these resources. Yet, allegations persist that these frameworks are shrouded in neglect.
- Transparent and fair processing of land removal from public registers
- Ensuring safe living environments for all citizens
- Active oversight by the National Procurement Authority
- Public announcements of land sales for accountability and fairness
The public’s demand is straightforward: transparency, justice, and adherence to the laws that bind the nation together.
Unraveling the Human Story
Mogadishu’s recent upheaval stems from a poignant backdrop—a government-led bid to reclaim public land. The Horseed Stadium near Tarabuunka junction has become a battleground, a symbol of deeper struggles. Last week, Somali security forces clashed fiercely with local militias resisting eviction. For many families settled there since the government collapse in 1991, it’s more than land. It’s life, identity, and history.
The government’s rationalization focuses on “enhancing security and combating illegal weapons.” However, the operation led to tragic casualties, affecting not just militants but innocent civilians, spreading fear through the Hodan district. Can economic development justify the human cost of eviction?
A City Under Pressure: The Bigger Picture
The storm of public discontent isn’t confined to one location. Last December, security forces swept through the Hamar Jajab district, dismantling homes without warning. Protests erupted, amplifying the cries of communities who felt sidelined. Similar scenes played out in Kalluunka, and elsewhere, scripted by an unfortunate pattern: government interests superseding those of long-established residents.
Parliamentary alarms echo this sentiment. Earlier in the year, 97 lawmakers highlighted alarming trends in property misappropriation, revealing lands initially destined for educational and health services being commandeered under dubious legality.
Statistics are sobering. The Norwegian Refugee Council recorded staggering displacements—143,500 people in 2024 alone—with the vast majority in Mogadishu. The UK Home Office’s observations on the rise of internally displaced populations paint a stark picture: evictions are reshaping the city, one homestead at a time.
Finding a Path Forward
As we dissect these events, several poignant questions emerge. How can Mogadishu balance economic aspirations with ethical responsibilities to its people? With tensions mounting, and public trust in governance waning, what paths exist for meaningful reconciliation?
Experts point to a fragmented land governance system, fraught with loopholes and inconsistencies. This fragmented state feeds disputes, while soaring land values turn public property into a flashpoint—a place where politics, commerce, and human survival intersect.
Somalia’s leaders face an unenviable challenge. To heal a divided city, they must navigate a complex web of law, politics, and human emotion. But amid these trials lies an opportunity for renewal. Can Somalia redefine its approach to land governance, fostering unity and justice in the process?
In the words of the former presidents: “The government must prioritize the people it serves, ensuring a future where Somali citizens preserve their dignity and rights.” Their plea, rooted in empathy, demands answers that resonate far beyond the corridors of power.
As Mogadishu stands precariously on this edge, the impending choices will shape not only the city’s landscape but the soul of a nation striving for peace and prosperity.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
