Mogadishu, Somalia – Former Somali President and opposition leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly criticized the federal government’s recent stance on public land management, calling its claim of jurisdiction over public land sales “irrelevant” and “politically motivated.”
Speaking to supporters at his Mogadishu residence on Tuesday evening, Sharif denounced the ongoing eviction campaign that has seen families and businesses displaced in various parts of the capital. He described the operation as “unlawful, unplanned, and contrary to Islamic values,” urging the authorities to halt it immediately.
“The forceful removal of citizens without due process, compensation, or transparency is a violation of both national law and Sharia principles. Public land belongs to the people, not to a few individuals in government who act without accountability,” Sharif said.
His remarks come amid growing public anger over government-led demolitions in Mogadishu and other cities, where residents have accused officials of targeting properties under disputed ownership. The Ministry of Public Works and Reconstruction has defended the campaign, saying it is aimed at reclaiming state land illegally occupied or sold.
Sharif, who currently leads the Union for Peace and Development Party (UPD), accused the government of exploiting land reclamation as a pretext for political gain and warned that such actions risk fueling instability.
“The government should be focused on serving the people, not displacing them. Justice and compassion must guide governance — not greed or coercion,” he stated.
The controversy over land ownership and urban development has long been one of Somalia’s most contentious political and social issues. Observers say the latest dispute underscores deep tensions between the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition figures ahead of future elections.