Somalia’s Political Landscape Shaken by Land-Grabbing Allegations
In a rare and fiery joint accusation, three of Somalia’s former presidents have publicly castigated the current leader, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with serious charges of land appropriation. The former presidents—Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo—have called for an immediate halt to these actions, warning of dire consequences if such seizures persist.
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A Contested Territory
The backdrop to these accusations is a country trying to navigate its way through a labyrinth of historical challenges, including clan-based politics, economic instability, and the perpetual threat of civil unrest. This recent discord lays bare the fractures that still exist within Somalia’s political tapestry, as voices from its past emerge to echo concerns about governance and the equitable distribution of resources.
The leaders’ statement was pointed: “First and foremost, we extend our condolences to the families and relatives of those killed during the ongoing land appropriation operations in Mogadishu. May God have mercy on those who lost their lives, and may He grant recovery to those injured.” This poignant note came amidst reports of clashes in the Tarabuunka neighborhood of Hodan district, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing disputes.
Legal Framework and Violations
In their detailed censure, the former presidents cited various constitutional articles and provisions within the Land Distribution Law (Law No. 41) to back their claim that Somalia’s constitutional procedures have been side-stepped. The requirements are precise in ensuring citizens’ right to a safe environment, necessitating transparency whenever public land transitions from state control.
- Guaranteeing a safe environment for all citizens.
- Proving land’s redundancy for public use with clear justification.
- Oversight by the National Asset Management Authority.
- Transparent publication and display in public areas.
- Equal land access for all citizens.
- Sustainable usage without harming the environment.
- Resolving land disputes lawfully.
- Protecting small landowners in the land market.
- Ensuring all sales revenue benefits the State Treasury.
The joint statement declared, “It is deeply regrettable that these legal requirements—mandated by the country’s constitution and laws—have been completely disregarded, and the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia has been blatantly violated.”
A Call for Accountability
Central to their demands is the immediate halt of what they term as misappropriation of public assets. They urge President Mohamud to correct course by not only ceasing these actions but also by ensuring displaced families are rehoused as per their constitutional right. Furthermore, they insist all unlawfully seized land should return to government oversight, stressing adherence to appropriate legal procedures.
The former presidents also issued a warning to Somali businesses and citizens against being lured into acquiring land that rightfully belongs to the nation at large. They appealed to the populace to rally against corruption and the pillaging of national resources, reminding them of their constitutional duty to hold their leaders to account.
A Wider Lens on Governance
This drama in Somalia resonates far beyond its borders, mirroring global issues of governance, transparency, and resource allocation seen in numerous countries across Africa and beyond. Whether in the townships of South Africa, the favelas of Brazil, or the slums of India, the story is alarmingly similar: ordinary citizens face displacement and disadvantage, often amidst claims of official misdeeds.
Somalia’s challenge reveals itself in how these issues of governance tie directly into questions of national identity and legacy. The historical tug-of-war over land control speaks volumes about the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction and the delicate ties that bind politics and societal well-being.
The Road Ahead
As the government under Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces these allegations, the future remains uncertain. Will these revelations prompt an internal policy review or even international scrutiny? Or will the fervor die down, swallowed up by time like waves erasing footprints in the sand?
The voices of former presidents bring a weight of past experience and underscore the need for accountability. Their call echoes a broader, global demand for leaders to respect the social contract that offers every citizen dignity, rights, and fair access to their nation’s resources.
As Somalia navigates these stormy waters, the question remains: What kind of legacy will be left for future generations, and will the cycle of grievance and grievance redressal ever find a tranquil end?
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
