Three former Somali presidents issue joint statement condemning illegal land grabbing in Mogadishu, warning of a growing national scandal. Somalia land grabbing Mogadishu evictions Somali presidents statement Hassan Sheikh land dispute Public land misuse Somalia Somali constitution violations Farmaajo, Sharif, Abdiqasim statement

Former Somali Presidents Condemn Land Grabbing in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia – August 19, 2025:

Three former Somali presidents have issued a joint press release strongly condemning the illegal appropriation of public land in Mogadishu, describing it as a "national scandal” that undermines the country’s constitution and rule of law.

Former Presidents Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo expressed deep concern over the ongoing forced evictions and misuse of public property in the capital.

"We extend our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent operations linked to the misappropriation of public land,” the statement read. "May Allah have mercy on the deceased and grant recovery to the injured.”

Constitutional and Legal Violations

The former presidents highlighted several provisions of Somali law that have been violated, including Articles 25, 26, and 43 of the Provisional Constitution, the Public Finance Management Law, and the Land Distribution Law.

"These laws clearly define how public land must be managed and prohibit arbitrary allocation or sale,” they noted. "By bypassing these legal safeguards, the government has trampled on the constitution and the rights of Somali citizens.”

Demands to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

In their statement, the former presidents issued three major demands to the sitting president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud:

1. Stop the abuse of public land and end the oppression of vulnerable citizens.
2. Provide proper resettlement for families displaced through forced evictions.
3. Return misappropriated land to state custody and manage it transparently according to the law.

Warning to Business and Public

The statement also warned Somali businesspeople and the wider public against engaging in corrupt land deals.

"We caution all citizens not to be deceived into purchasing stolen public land. Such transactions are illegal, immoral, and harmful to the future of our country,” the joint statement said.

A Growing National Scandal

Analysts say the rare united stance of three former Somali presidents underscores the seriousness of the crisis. Land grabbing in Mogadishu has long been a source of conflict, displacement, and corruption, but the former leaders warn that the situation is reaching unprecedented levels.

"This is no longer just a local dispute over land,” the statement concluded. "It is becoming the beginning of a national scandal that threatens Somalia’s future.”

Translated By Dahir Alasow

Investigative Journalist