The Union of Somali Ulema Councils held a meeting in Mogadishu to address the growing complaints about land and houses being demolished in parts of the capital, calling on the government to stop any steps that deny citizens their property rights.
The scholars said that many complaints had been received from the community, which concerned people who had legal property documents, but were said to have had their property disputed or taken away, with some being imposed with fees that had no clear legal basis.
They stressed that a person’s property should not be taken away by force, administrative order or intimidation, unless a fair legal and judicial process is followed.
The scholars called on the President of Somalia, the Prime Minister, the Banadir Regional Administration and relevant institutions to independently investigate land complaints, protect the rights of the people, and hold accountable anyone found guilty of abuse of power, theft or corruption.
They also called on the judiciary to act independently and fairly in land disputes, while warning businessmen, notaries and brokers against getting involved in property acquired through oppression and injustice.
The Union of Somali Ulema Councils said that if the outstanding complaints are not addressed immediately, they will take other measures they deem appropriate to the situation.
