Somali government plans housing project for nearly 80,000 people

Friday May 8, 2026

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government says it plans to construct 12,000 homes to help resettle nearly 80,000 people living in informal settlements and other locations deemed unsafe or unsuitable across the country.

Announcing the initiative in Mogadishu on Friday, Minister of Public Works, Reconstruction and Housing Ayuub Ismail said the program is designed to assist families residing in high-risk areas, including flood-prone zones, government-owned land and land close to public facilities such as schools.

“The project will begin in Mogadishu, but it will eventually expand to all regions of the country,” the minister said.

He said the planned communities will feature modern housing along with essential public amenities such as schools, health centers, markets and playgrounds. The scheme also includes job creation measures and vocational training centers aimed at strengthening residents’ livelihoods.

The first stage is set to start with 6,000 homes, and senior government officials are expected to formally launch the project in the coming days.

The announcement arrives at a time of escalating political friction in Mogadishu over demolitions and forced evictions. Opposition figures have organized a major protest for May 10, alleging that authorities have removed residents and torn down homes without proper process or fair compensation.

Federal officials have said the redevelopment drive forms part of wider urban planning and land recovery efforts intended to improve infrastructure and public services in the capital.

The government has also called on opposition groups to join the national political dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which is slated for the same day as the demonstrations.