Mogadishu (WDN) – A senior Somali government religious official has publicly criticized the Federal Government over the demolition of homes and a mosque in Mogadishu, warning that continued forced evictions could turn loyal citizens into political opponents.

Sheikh Ali Dheere, a prominent Islamic scholar and Director General at Somalia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, appeared on independent media to denounce the latest demolitions, saying his criticism extended far beyond his own personal losses.

According to the Sheikh, government authorities demolished property that included his own land and a mosque in the Karaan district of Mogadishu, near Keysaney Hospital. He stressed that he was speaking on behalf of all affected residents rather than solely defending his personal interests.

“I am not speaking only for my own property,” Sheikh Ali Dheere said. “I am speaking for all the people who have gathered here after being displaced.”

Addressing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Banadir Regional Administration Chairman Mohamed Ahmed Amiir (Muungaab), the cleric urged both leaders to govern with justice and compassion rather than confrontation.

He questioned why land that had previously been formally recognized by earlier administrations—including previous terms under both President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Banadir Governor Muungaab—was now being cleared, leaving residents displaced without a clear public explanation.

The Sheikh warned that the government’s handling of forced evictions risks creating unnecessary political divisions at a time when Somalia is already facing a constitutional crisis, electoral uncertainty, and ongoing security challenges.

“These people are not opponents of the government; they are its supporters,” he said. “But it is possible to turn supporters into opponents. Do not force people into becoming your critics. Do not make them curse or lose faith in their government.”

He also criticized what he described as the government’s failure to adequately consult Somalia’s religious scholars before carrying out large-scale demolitions affecting civilian communities.

The latest controversy comes amid continuing criticism from opposition figures, civil society groups, and displaced residents over urban redevelopment and land clearance operations in Mogadishu. Critics have repeatedly alleged that large-scale demolitions and disputed land acquisitions have displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. Some estimates cited by opposition figures put the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) at approximately 570,000, although these figures remain politically contested and have not been independently verified.

The public intervention by a senior serving government official is particularly notable, reflecting growing unease over the social and political consequences of the demolition campaign. His remarks highlight concerns that unresolved land disputes and forced evictions could further erode public confidence in government institutions at a time when Somalia is seeking political consensus on its constitutional and electoral future.

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