Somalia’s Ex-Presidents Unite Against Illegal Land Sales

In a historic move, Somalia’s three surviving former presidents—Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo—have issued a rare joint statement criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government.

They accuse the administration of illegally selling public land and undermining governance in Mogadishu.

Ex-Presidents Condemn Land Misuse

The former leaders allege that the government has been transferring public land without oversight or legal protocols. According to their statement, many land deals:

• Ignored procedures for declaring properties as “surplus”
• Bypassed the National Contracts Agency
• Failed to deposit proceeds into the state treasury

They argue this pattern represents a serious abuse of state resources, leading to forced evictions and growing public anger.

Evictions Spark Unrest in Mogadishu

The leaders specifically condemned recent evictions in Tarabunka, where clashes broke out between rival security forces. They warned that such incidents highlight the dangers of state overreach and the risk of instability in the capital.

Residents have reported displacement and loss of livelihoods, further eroding public trust in government institutions.

Call to Businesses and Citizens

The ex-presidents urged Somali businesses and citizens not to engage in the purchase of illegally transferred properties. They described these land transactions as illegitimate and high-risk, stressing that buyers could face future disputes or loss of assets.

Civil Society Response

Somali civil society groups and political commentators have praised the intervention, describing it as a much-needed call for accountability and transparency in land governance. Analysts say the statement could pressure the government to improve its handling of public resources.

Unprecedented Unity Among Leaders

This marks the first time all three surviving former presidents have come together publicly to challenge a sitting government. Their united front signals deep institutional concern over land governance and its impact on Somalia’s fragile stability.

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