Somalia, 25 September 2025 – The Governor of Benadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein ‘Muungaab' has reiterated that issues concerning land in the region fall directly under his authority, and that he alone has the power to allocate the resource.
Mayor Muungaab emphasized that his powers are derived from Land Law No. 10 of 1980.
He made the remarks at a meeting held in Kaaraan District, where the regional government strongly condemned the fighting that broke out yesterday over land issues at the Warta Nabadda District headquarters.
Responding to opposition accusations regarding the management of public land, Muungaab said that the Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud can only submit a declaration stating that the government no longer needs a certain land, after which the Governor of Benadir decides which group, individual or party should be allocated the resource.
He dismissed accusations of favouritism in land allocation, accusing the opposition of propagating baseless claims aimed at causing division among residents.
“The land of Benadir Region is legally under the responsibility of Mogadishu Municipality, as outlined in Law No. 10. The Municipality has the authority to allocate land to government institutions for public use.”
“If it is not used for public interest for a long period, the land automatically reverts back to the Municipality. Anyone doubting this should read Law No. 10, particularly Articles 1, 7, and 15,” Muungaab said.
He further noted that any public land previously allocated to ministries or government agencies that no longer require it must legally return to the Benadir Regional Administration, which will then reallocate it to other parties it deems appropriate.
The Governor stressed that land left unused for more than 30 years cannot remain idle, pointing out that such neglect tarnishes the city’s image and must be avoided.
The issue of public land management in Mogadishu has for months been a source of political contention, with rival groups fighting over prime land in the capital.