MOAGDISHU, Somalia – Somali opposition warned businesspeople against buying state-owned land, citing constitutional violations amid outcry over forced evictions in Mogadishu.
Buying public property would constitute a ‘national crime,’ said a joint statement released by Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.
They said unlawful sales of state-owned land are increasing, displacing vulnerable families as public spaces are sold to businesses or given to certain families, with political figures involved.
In their statement, they condemned violations of constitutional laws on public property, including Articles 26 and 43, which define principles and government responsibilities for public assets.
They also stated this violated Article 6 of the 1973 Urban Land Distribution Law, which forbids selling or transferring public land without legal provisions.
“Public property can only be owned through legal channels, as outlined in the constitution and national laws. Any illicit land takeover is a serious crime,” they said.
Since the 1991 collapse of the central government, land grabbing became a major issue in Mogadishu, with senior officials abusing power to seize public and private lands.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government evicted thousands of families from state-owned lands, claiming it was for rebuilding previous facilities.
Many families are being evicted, while widespread corruption fuels impunity, making it harder to manage land fairly in Mogadishu.
Last year, the opposition accused President Mohamud of being involved the sale of lands in the capital. If confirmed, this scandal could harm his political career.
