MOGADISHU — In a move that has sparked outrage and shocked the nation, the Somali government has ordered the exhumation of a cemetery in Mogadishu to facilitate the sale of the land to property developers seeking to build beachfront hotels.
The unprecedented decision comes amid a growing crisis of land grabbing and corruption in the country.
On Saturday, police ordered hundreds of families in the capital to exhume and relocate the remains of their loved ones buried in the cemetery situated near Somalia’s Police Headquarters, known as Schola Polizio in Mogadishu.
The move has however sparked disbelief among residents., as burial ground sites have long been considered off-limits to developments for cultural and religious significance.
“This is deeply disturbing and disrespectful,” said AbdullahiOmar, a local community leader whose father is buried in the cemetery. “It’s not just about our loved ones; this is an attack on our traditions, history and heritage.”
Somalis in general treat the graves as sacred and have long resisted the encroachment of development projects on burial sites. The old prevailing tradition has led some landowners to give away or donate their own property to protect grave sites.
Meanwhile, the Somali government’s move has prompted questions about corruption and the influence of developers on public policy. Critics argue that this latest decision is a clear example of how corruption is impacting the country’s governance.
As families begin the difficult task of exhuming and relocating their loved ones under armed police watch, public discontent began to grow.
Protests have been reported across several neighborhoods in Mogadishu, with many called for the government to reverse the decision that has created rare scenes in the traditionally conservative nation.
Among the bodies exhumed is that of the late Abdi Muridi Dhere, known as AJakis, a legendary Somali comedian and actor.
His family told local media they were forced to exhume his body under police pressure and threats. Their statement has sparked significant outrage among Somalis around the world.
Social media has been flooded with expressions of anger, creating immense public pressure on the government, which has struggled to manage the backlash.
In response, senior government officials have scrambled to meet with AJakis’ family, and pushed them to retract their statement, prompting the late comedian’s son to withdraw his initial statement. As a result, he denied that his family had exhumed his father’s body under police duress.
Somali officials have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the exhumation order.
‘CASH-IN’ TREND
This development comes amid an increase in the sales of public lands by government officials in recent months, causing frustration among citizens who accuse authorities of prioritizing profit over the welfare of the public.
Wealthy property developers are cashing on the surge in public land grabs amid a growing corruption crisis in Somalia, raising alarms over displacement and loss of heritage sites for local communities.
Reports indicate that developers have been purchasing prime public land, particularly in Mogadishu and nearby areas, at minimal costs. The trend has sparked concerns as influential business figures profit from questionable land acquisitions, while communities grapple with the consequences. In some cases, these lands are then resold or transformed into luxury resorts and hotels for significant profit.
The most affected are local communities, who are displaced and stripped of their homes and livelihoods.
“This is a grave injustice,” said Fatima Hassan, an activist based in Mogadishu. “These developers are exploiting a broken system to enrich themselves at the expense of ordinary people. The government must take action to stop this plunder.”
Local sources allege that some officials in positions of power are complicit in these transactions, granting permits and legal clearances in exchange for bribes.
The Somali government has faced mounting pressure to address the issue, with protests and community uprisings becoming more frequent.
“We are witnessing a land-grabbing crisis unlike anything before,” said Ahmed Nur, a Professor of urban studies at a local university in Mogadishu.
“If this continues unchecked, it could lead to severe social and economic consequences for Somalia.”
Despite growing calls for reform, progress has been slow. For now, the fate of many communities hangs in the balance, while wealthy developers continue to seize opportunities presented by the lack of regulation and oversight.
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