Mogadishu Land Disputes: The Human Cost of a Growing Crisis
In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a gathering of displaced families finds solace in numbers, united by a shared struggle. Among them is Batuulo Mohamed Cosoble, whose family has called Zone-K in Hodan district home for generations. Yet today, she stands amidst uncertainty, her ancestral land claimed by forces she never imagined contending with. “I never thought we’d have to fight for our land like the Palestinians,” Batuulo laments, her voice a mixture of sorrow and resolve.
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A Legacy in Jeopardy
For Batuulo, the land is not just soil but a repository of her family’s legacy. Despite presenting ownership documents to the Banadir Regional Court, Batuulo was instructed to approach President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who she claims has sold the land to businessmen. This situation underscores a broader issue in Mogadishu, where land disputes have become alarmingly common, often resulting in the displacement of long-settled families.
This is not an isolated incident. Hassan Xareed Diini, a small shop owner in Taleex, echoes a similar tale of loss. His shop, once a hub of everyday life, was demolished without warning, leaving his family financially devastated. “It wasn’t for public use; it was sold privately,” Hassan recounts, highlighting a growing concern over the misuse of power.
Economic and Political Underpinnings
The layers of this crisis are complex, woven into the fabric of Somali politics and economics. At the core are deals purportedly driven not by public interest but by private profit. The former National Fairgrounds land transaction, involving Premier Bank, is a prime example. Accusations of the bank’s involvement in Mogadishu’s forced evictions have fueled public outrage and skepticism about the government’s intentions.
The financial sources behind these land deals are increasingly questioned. MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame voices suspicions that the funds could be linked to piracy or terrorist networks. “These aren’t traditional businessmen,” he warns, adding an additional layer of concern about the possible destabilizing influences within Somalia’s economic landscape.
Resistance and Repercussions
The meeting between displaced residents and opposition leaders is more than a mere formality—it is a call to action. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed expresses deep regret over a government that seems more committed to displacing citizens than protecting them. Alongside him, other political figures call for accountability and reform, urging a halt to unchecked land grabs.
The consequences of these disputes are palpable and immediate. On August 14, the Tarabuunka neighborhood saw seven lives lost in clashes following attempted evictions. The violence forced thousands to flee once more, a stark reminder of the human cost of political maneuvering and economic exploitation.
A Broader Perspective
Mogadishu’s land disputes are emblematic of wider global trends where urbanization and economic interests collide with human rights and heritage. Similar stories echo around the world, from India’s tribal lands lost to industrial projects to Brazil’s indigenous communities defending the Amazon against deforestation.
The question remains: how do societies balance development with justice? The cries from Mogadishu’s displaced are not distant echoes but part of a global chorus demanding equitable solutions. Can governments and businesses rise to the occasion, or will profit continue to overshadow people?
A Call to Action
As international observers, it is crucial to shine a light on these stories, amplifying the voices of those like Batuulo and Hassan. Their resilience inspires a call for global solidarity—stand with the displaced, hold power accountable, and advocate for change.
The unfolding drama in Mogadishu is a clarion call, a reminder that the fight for land, justice, and identity is a universal struggle. What step will you take in recognizing and supporting this enduring fight for dignity and rightful ownership?
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
