MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered the eviction of residents from public land in Mogadishu, especially areas designated for schools.
Speaking Saturday at a National Theater ceremony, Mohamud instructed Somali police to remove people from public lands to restore them for public and educational purposes.
“There’s urgent need for proper school facilities,” President Mohamud said. “We must prioritize the younger generation’s future and ensure they access quality education in dedicated public spaces.”
He said public lands, particularly school properties, must not be occupied by private residents, calling on law enforcement to enforce the government’s directive immediately.
He also congratulated students beginning the 2025–2026 academic year and commended the rising number of graduates completing secondary education across the country.
“We’re proud of the students graduating,” he said. “This progress shows the nation’s youth are striving for education despite many obstacles and challenges they face.”
President Mohamud criticized several private universities, accusing them of collecting money without providing quality education or producing graduates who meet the country’s professional and academic standards.
He urged the newly established Higher Education Committee to take action against low-quality institutions and ensure students receive meaningful, value-based education aligned with national priorities.
“A university must produce skilled, competent citizens,” he said. “We can’t accept degrees that don’t reflect knowledge. Education should build both capability and national integrity,” he added.