Somalia, 3 October 2025 – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Friday that the Benadir Regional Administration is responsible for land management in Mogadishu, pushing back against opposition accusations that the federal government is forcibly evicting residents.
Speaking during Friday sermon at the presidential mosque, Hassan Sheikh said that, under the law, Benadir authorities hold the mandate to regulate and manage land use in the capital, and that any disputes or errors should be addressed through legal procedures.
“Mogadishu will not remain a congested city, where Al-Shabaab can hide, where bodies cannot be retrieved, or where fire trucks cannot pass,” Hassan Sheikh said, stressing that ongoing measures are aimed at improving security and restoring order and infrastructure in the capital.
The president acknowledged that some demolitions and relocations are affecting residents but described them as necessary steps for the city’s safety and long-term development.
Hassan Sheikh added that citizens with valid legal documents proving land ownership have the right to file their cases in Somali courts to defend their claims.