Mogadishu (AX) — A meeting in Mogadishu on Sunday brought Somalia’s religious scholars together with Banadir officials and Endowments and Islamic Affairs Minister Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali as tensions over public land and disputed property intensified.
Banadir Regional Governor and Mogadishu Mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab chaired the talks, which examined the administration of government-owned land and areas referred to as “Obasiibooyinka.” The discussions were aimed at addressing mounting complaints from residents and finding ways to resolve land disputes.
- Advertisement -
The Banadir Regional Administration reaffirmed that safeguarding private property remained a priority, saying it would not tolerate the illegal encroachment on or seizure of land lawfully owned by citizens.
The Somali Ulema Council said the government had the legal authority to administer, distribute and reorganize public land. But the scholars emphasized that any such action must serve the public interest and account for the rights and needs of poor and vulnerable communities.
“We are ready to listen to citizens’ complaints and resolve land disputes through administrative committees, including committees involving religious scholars and representatives from various sections of society,” Muungaab said.
The talks followed clashes just hours earlier in Mogadishu’s Tokiyo neighborhood, where at least one person was killed and nearly 10 others were reportedly injured during protests against the demolition of homes.
Residents took to the streets after authorities instructed them to vacate land officials said belonged to the government.
Witnesses said protesters burned tires in Mogadishu’s Yaqshid district, where violence broke out after government forces allegedly opened fire on residents opposing the demolitions.
