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The Somali National University (SNU) has issued a stern warning regarding the ongoing demolition of property in Mogadishu’s Hodan district, asserting that the land rightfully belongs to the institution. In an official statement released this past Thursday, university officials condemned the destruction as an illegal seizure of educational assets and vowed to pursue every available legal avenue to protect their grounds.
According to the university administration, the demolitions have already impacted several key areas within the Banadir region. These include essential facilities dedicated to student services and the official residence of the university’s chairperson. The SNU leadership emphasized that no legitimate government authority or court had granted permission for these actions, making the current activities a direct violation of property rights.
One of the primary concerns raised by the university is an alleged attempt to reclassify the land under names that have no historical or legal connection to the school. Officials noted that there have been efforts to register the university’s property as “party houses” or “socialist centers.” The university was clear in its stance: these labels are entirely fabricated and represent a coordinated effort to strip the institution of its land for non-educational purposes.
In addition to seeking legal remedies, the university sent a clear message to the general public and the business community. They warned citizens against participating in any commercial deals, sales, or developments involving the disputed land. By doing so, they hope to prevent residents from becoming entangled in illegal transactions that could lead to significant financial loss once the legal ownership is officially reaffirmed.
This conflict is part of a much larger and more controversial trend in Mogadishu. Over the last two years, the city has seen a surge in demolitions, forced evictions, and the repurposing of public land. While federal and local Banadir regional authorities argue that these measures are necessary for modern urban planning and infrastructure development, the methods used have sparked significant backlash. Critics, including civil society groups and opposition politicians, have accused the government of ignoring due process, failing to provide fair compensation to those displaced, and lacking transparency in how public land is redistributed.
The Somali National University’s plight highlights the growing tension between the government’s vision for a modernized capital and the rights of long-standing public institutions. For many, the university represents a pillar of the country’s future, and the destruction of its facilities is seen as a blow to the educational sector. As of now, the Banadir regional authorities have not issued a formal response to the university’s specific allegations. The situation remains a high-stakes legal and political standoff, as the university fights to ensure its campus remains a place for learning rather than a casualty of urban redevelopment.