The Somali Government Enforces Pre-1991 Land Law to Reclaim Properties

[Deeq A.]

The Mayor of Mogadishu Yusuf Hussein Jimale received a commissioned report on government properties and plots illegally occupied in both South and North Mogadishu.

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Yesterday, armed clashes erupted in the Ex-Control area of Mogadishu when police contingents from the Federal Government of Somalia arrived to enforce the demolition of illegally constructed houses. Residents armed themselves to resist the government’s demolition orders. The ensuing gunfire resulted in several fatalities and at least 12 injuries.

In 2022, the Federal Government of Somalia appointed a committee to reclaim properties illegally occupied by militias and their families since 1991. Earlier this year, the government compelled inhabitants of a shantytown known as Damdemiska (The Fire Brigade Centre) near Banadir Hospital and the Sei Piani building in South Mogadishu to vacate. Initially resistant, residents eventually complied with the government’s deadline.

Damdemiska neighbourhood in Mogadishu before occupants complied with the government order to relocate.

A confidential report commissioned by the Mogadishu Municipality presented its findings to Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale regarding government properties and plots illegally occupied in both South and North Mogadishu. A senior municipal official stated, “A far larger number of pre-1991 government schools and properties are illegally occupied in South Mogadishu compared to North Mogadishu. In addition, illegally built houses and retail outlets in South Mogadishu constitute the greatest obstacle to the rule of law.”

The Federal Government plans to assert ownership of government residential buildings such as the Bankers’ Houses, Shiirkole, Quartiere Fieristico (Fiyooraha), military barracks and other areas, particularly in the Taleh neighbourhood of Hodan district, where squatters have engaged in illegal construction (edilizia abusiva).

The Mogadishu Municipality is applying the pre-1991 Land Law to enforce the government’s decision to reclaim properties and plots illegally occupied by clan militias and associated families. A lawyer in Mogadishu said “Al-Shabaab was adjudicating property disputes in Mogadishu through its parallel justice system. The Federal Government of Somalia is keen to use its power to send a strong message about protecting property rights.”

© Puntland Post, 2024

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