By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In 2023, Somalia was home to over 3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), many residing on privately-owned land. These IDPs either occupy land without permission or settle with landowners under informal agreements lacking clear terms. Due to rising urban land values, landowners frequently seek to reclaim their property, often with minimal notice, leading to forced evictions, frequently through violence and demolition. Development is the primary cause of these evictions in the country.
Read the original article here
Somali government demolishes homes to give land to elites, families left homeless without compensation, making you wonder what’s truly left to say about the situation. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where demolishing homes is the path to progress, yet here we are. It feels like the news is always bad, always a cycle of hardship. It’s tempting to assume that a strong, functioning democracy would never do such a thing, building schools and upholding basic standards. But that’s not the reality, is it?
The discussion often focuses on the legality of the land occupation, and it’s understandable to question whether the displaced families were occupying the land legally. Some were, it seems, squatting or operating under unclear agreements. However, even if the land ownership is a question mark, the government’s actions are creating a crisis, not a solution. It’s the fundamental issue of displacement without consideration for the people affected, stripping them of their homes and leaving them with nothing.
The situation is further complicated by the massive influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with over three million living in Somali cities. These people are often forced to find any available land to live on, increasing pressure on available space, and driving up property values, a factor that seems to fuel the demolitions. It’s a vicious cycle, as landowners seek to develop their properties, these vulnerable populations are the first to suffer.
The title of the article reflects a core truth, focusing on the painful reality of the situation. The focus is not on landowners asserting their rights, but on the government, that’s the key here. While property rights are important, the government has a responsibility to its citizens, especially those most vulnerable, a responsibility that seems to be failing spectacularly in this instance. The government needs to provide alternative housing, offer compensation, or at the very least, give ample notice and support. To do otherwise is simply unconscionable.
The suggestion that Somali society might not be equipped to handle welfare programs seems like a sad commentary on the realities of the nation, a sign of the lack of support and protection afforded to those in need. You can understand why someone might feel like the terrorist group Al-Shabaab could be their only hope, a dark thought, but an understandable one when considering the situation. It highlights the desperation and the lack of viable alternatives for those impacted.
The suggestion of applying Western principles of renter protection or creating a comprehensive welfare system seems unlikely to be put in place. It’s easy to see why you could become cynical when it comes to the government’s ability to support its citizens. But is a society with such a social contract even possible?
The underlying problem is that the elites benefit, and the poor suffer. It’s a situation that sadly reflects a broader, global phenomenon, where the wealthy and powerful consolidate control, often at the expense of the most vulnerable. The loss of homes and the lack of compensation are stark examples of this inequality. It’s easy to see how the situation could make people feel that Al-Shabaab might be a better option than the current government. It’s a dark thought, but one rooted in reality.
The situation calls for solutions, and it’s a call for help that resonates throughout these thoughts. It’s a call for safer migration routes, for financial support, for any opportunity that offers a path out of the current situation. The desire to leave is understandable, the feeling of being trapped is palpable. The difficulty of leaving and the dangers associated with it are a constant reminder of the hopelessness felt by many, and it’s a situation that’s difficult to change. The complexities of the political landscape, the power of the elites, and the lack of options all contribute to the despair.