Somali minister leases public land as people fight back

Osman Abukar Dubbe, who serves as Information Minister for the outgoing Somali government [File photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior Somali minister who is also a close ally of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has reportedly leased public land to private entities, in a move that could further ignite heated debate in the Horn of Africa nation.

Osman Abukar Dubbe, who serves as Information Minister, is said to have leased the land which belongs to the National Theatre near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, where the country's most fascinating heritage can be traced for the conservation of the rich history of the Horn of Africa nation.

According to a document dated July 27 of this year, Dubbe is said to have leased the land to local catering businesspeople, without following the due process as established in the country's laws. Public land in Somalia has often been exposed to land grabbers.

Quite a number of people have expressed concerns that the process was not executed according to the legal due diligence of public property lease. The team now wants the land to be repossessed for the sake of the public.

The vocal minister, however, is yet to respond to the claims, but the public insists that the land was indeed leased. Nobody in government has also come out clear on the land, but public officials are known to steer clear of such debates whenever they are dragged into them.

Minister Osman Dubbe's decision is adverse to the recent decree issued by the outgoing President Mohamed Farmaajo "barring all government institutions from signing any form of agreements" which was issued prior to Mohamed Roble's state visit to Kenya.

"The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, in line with powers vested in him, has issued a decree that bars all government institutions and officials from signing agreements that touches the politics, policies, economy, and security of the country," read the decree.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble had, however, dismissed the decree, arguing that the cabinet has the mandate to ensure such agreements, especially with foreign countries are acted upon for the sake of international collaboration.

Somalia is currently holding elections after months of delay, following internal intrigues pitting the federal government, member states, and the opposition leaders. Presidential elections are set to be held on October 10 according to the electoral schedule that was released.

GAROWE ONLINE