Somalia's president accused of prioritizing trivial issues over public service

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Somalia's president accused of prioritizing trivial issues over public service

Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur delivered a scathing criticism of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday, accusing him of prioritizing the exhumation of bodies from graves, the demolition of homes belonging to impoverished ci

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Opposition MP Abdirahman Abdishakur delivered a scathing criticism of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday, accusing him of prioritizing the exhumation of bodies from graves, the demolition of homes belonging to impoverished citizens, and the repatriation of Somalis who had sought refuge in Europe amidst the ongoing conflict in the country.

"President Hassan has substituted the services the people expected with exhuming their bodies from graves, demolishing their homes, and deporting some from abroad. Mr. President, please show mercy to the people,” Abdishakur said.

The comments came a day after President Mohamud signed an agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to repatriate Somali refugees who had fled the ongoing conflict in the country, which shows no signs of ending.

Mohamud’s administration continues to demolish homes built by impoverished citizens squatting on public land, including those of army and police families. So far, tens of thousands have been evicted, left with nowhere to go, while authorities have failed to provide assistance, land, or any means to facilitate their relocation.

The Somali people are questioning how the government will support those it brings back from Germany in a country where unemployment is unimaginable, forcing many to survive on less than a dollar a day. Even if Berlin provides funds for the repatriation program, there are concerns that these resources will end up lining the pockets of government elites, with little benefit reaching those in need.

Opposition leaders continue to accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of aggressively looting government land, following the sale of public land—previously inhabited by poor civilians who were forcibly evicted—to wealthy businessmen, with some parcels reportedly awarded to close allies of the authorities.

By Dahir Alasow

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