In a rare show of unity, three former presidents of Somalia have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as the unlawful misuse of public land in Mogadishu, calling on the current administration to respect constitutional safeguards and protect displaced communities.

Presidents Abdiqasim Salad Hassan, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo especially had a problem with the ongoing eviction of residents from their premises, arguing that the process is taking place without adhering to legally defined procedures.

The former presidents appealed to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to stop the exploitation of public land and also the use of force against vulnerable groups. They also urged him to resettle displaced families, calling attention to the fact that the right to housing under the constitution belongs to all citizens.

The statement, issued on Monday, responds to deadly that was aimed at eviction of residents from their homes and businesses places, which reportedly left several people dead and many others displaced.

“We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives during the operations concerning the misuse of public land currently taking place in Mogadishu. We say: May Allah have mercy on those who died and grant a full recovery to the injured,” the presidents stated, expressing sympathy with the victimized families and victims.

The presidents also invoked Article 1 of the Constitution of Somalia, reaffirming the doctrine of sovereignty residing in the people. “We urge the Somali people to uphold their constitutional authority… and reject corruption and looting of national resources,” the statement read.

The joint statement represents an important intervention by the political elders of Somalia as the public voices greater concern at land disputes, evictions, and alleged irregularities of land allocations in urban areas.

A government policy aimed at clearing public land for redevelopment has recently triggered widespread anger in Mogadishu, as longtime residents face eviction from their homes and private investors took over the land in a controversial manner.

The policy allows developers to claim public land, leading to a rise in demolitions of houses, shops, and even graveyards across the city.

Since President Mohamud’s return in 2022, complaints about forced evictions have surged, with public cemeteries, markets, and private properties among the targets.

Activists and locals accuse government officials and investors connected to the President’s circle of orchestrating the evictions and land grabs.

Earlier this year, authorities controversially ordered the removal of graves from the historic Police Academy Cemetery on Mogadishu’s outskirts, fueling further outrage.