Mogadishu – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly addressed growing anger over the government’s eviction campaign in Mogadishu, framing the contentious operation as a strategic effort to modernize the capital and disrupt extremist networks.
Speaking on Friday after prayers at the presidential mosque, President Mohamud insisted that the clearance of informal settlements was part of a broader urban renewal plan.
“This is not about dispossession—it is a plan to replace Mogadishu’s slums with modern neighborhoods and dismantle militant hideouts,” he said, referring to security concerns surrounding densely populated areas where al-Shabaab operatives are known to blend in.
His remarks mark the first direct acknowledgment from the presidency since protests erupted over reported sales of public land and the demolition of long-standing residential structures. Critics accuse senior officials of facilitating commercial land grabs under the guise of development.
Without naming names, President Mohamud warned presidential hopefuls and opposition figures against exploiting public grievances to boost their political standing.
“Do not weaponize this issue for political gain. If citizens feel wronged, let them seek justice through the courts, not be dragged into politically charged confrontations,” he cautioned.
The statement comes amid mounting legal challenges from affected residents and growing calls for transparency in land redistribution. While the administration maintains that compensation mechanisms are in place, many families say they were evicted without due process.
The President’s comments signal that the government intends to press ahead with the redevelopment drive—setting the stage for a legal and political showdown over Mogadishu’s future.