Mogadishu, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed police forces to evict families and individuals residing in school compounds across Somalia, insisting the facilities must be restored to serve their original purpose of public education.
The order, issued last week, is part of a broader government campaign to reclaim state-owned land and properties that officials say have been unlawfully occupied for years. Authorities argue that many public institutions—including schools, hospitals, and government offices—cannot function effectively because of encroachment by private individuals or groups.
The move has sparked widespread debate, drawing both support and criticism. Proponents say the campaign is essential to restore public trust, rebuild institutions, and ensure that schools are available for students in a country where access to education remains severely limited.
However, the directive has also provoked strong opposition from community leaders, rights advocates, and displaced residents, many of whom argue they have nowhere else to go. Several residents have criticized the government for failing to provide alternative housing or compensation, warning that the evictions could worsen humanitarian conditions in already vulnerable communities.
Despite mounting pressure, President Mohamud has maintained that the government will push forward with the plan, framing it as a necessary step in rebuilding Somalia’s state institutions. He emphasized that reclaiming illegally occupied properties is crucial to restoring public services and strengthening rule of law.
The police are expected to begin phased evictions in Mogadishu and other urban centers, where dozens of schools remain closed or partially functional due to illegal occupation. Civil society groups have urged the government to balance enforcement with compassion, calling for a plan that addresses both the rights of displaced families and the urgent need to revitalize public infrastructure.
The land recovery campaign highlights the government’s broader struggle to reassert authority over public resources in the face of competing interests. How the state manages these evictions could shape public perception of Mohamud’s leadership and test the administration’s ability to deliver reforms without triggering further unrest.