Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have issued a strong warning to business people and individuals about acquiring public land in Mogadishu.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, the three prominent politicians accused the federal government of displacing residents and encroaching on educational and health facilities. They alleged that public land is being auctioned off to business people, distributed to private families, or used for bribery by politicians.
“We warn businessmen who illegally sell or acquire public land, and those involved in bribery, not to be deceived into believing they own or control government land,” the statement read.
The leaders also voiced concerns over Somalia’s current governance, citing security, economic, and political challenges. They urged the federal government to take immediate steps to address these pressing issues.
The Somali government has recently reclaimed public land for redevelopment into government facilities. However, reports indicate some properties have been handed over or leased to private businesses. Notably, the government recently demolished the School Policia cemetery to make way for a naval base.
