MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a new initiative called “New Mogadishu,” featuring a modern airport, a port, and a key economic zone for investment attraction, raising concerns over potential evictions.
President Mohamud said such a project showcases the resilience of the business community, ensuring Somalia has the capacity to embrace the future. He also noted the initiative’s potential for job creation.
Valued at about $650 million, phase one of the New Mogadishu airport will handle 5 million passengers and up to 130,000 flights yearly, boosting the economic development of Somalia.
However, concerns are mounting over the land designated for the project, as thousands of families risk being displaced to make way for the construction.
Hassan Mohamed Hussein Mungab, former mayor of Mogadishu, said plans are underway to seize land for national interest along a 30 km coastal stretch from Elma’an to War-Sheikh in the Lower Shabelle region.
Mungab condemned the plan as land grabbing and displacement, arguing the proposed land exceeds the requirements for the airport (5 km by 2.5 km) and port (7 km coastline by 2.5 km).
He also warned against relocating Mogadishu’s displacement and land grabbing to War-Sheikh, urging local and international actors to take immediate action before it is too late.
Despite Mungab’s warning, plans include luxury hotel apartments, a 300-bed hospital, a school, a shopping complex, residential units, and recreational facilities.
The New Mogadishu project comes at a time when the capital is still plagued by lawlessness and al-Shabab attacks, costing innocent lives.
