Mogadishu – The construction of the house belonging to former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo in the Marka district, specifically in the Eljaalle area, has re-entered the country’s political discourse following its official inauguration in February 2026.
The house, situated on a 120×140 meter plot along the coast, was built at a cost of $295,000 raised through a public donation campaign titled “Mahadsanid Madaxweyne” (Thank You, Mr. President).
How Was It Implemented?
The campaign was initiated by an organizing committee in June 2022, shortly after Farmaajo left office, following his statement that he did not own a house in Mogadishu. His supporters took this step to thank him for his leadership tenure between 2017 and 2022.
The funds collected reached approximately $300,000, with contributions from Somali civilians both within the country and in the diaspora, as well as members of the security forces.
The foundation stone for the house was laid in July 2023, and the construction was carried out by Somali engineers. Three years later, in February 2026, the house was officially inaugurated in a ceremony attended by numerous elders and community members.
Past and Present Interpretations
When the campaign first began, there were two distinct viewpoints that emerged among the public. On one side, Farmaajo’s supporters viewed the house as a powerful symbol of his integrity, describing it as a well-deserved reward for a leader who did not embezzle state funds during his time in office. To them, the gesture represented the public’s appreciation for his leadership and a testament to his commitment to honest governance.
On the other side, however, critics questioned the priorities behind such a fundraising initiative. Many argued that the hundreds of thousands of dollars collected could have been better directed toward drought relief efforts or supporting vulnerable communities facing severe hardship.
Now, the house’s inauguration has reignited intense political debates. Supporters celebrate it as a political victory demonstrating the continued public confidence in Farmaajo, while opponents see the project as the unofficial start of his campaign for the 2026 elections.
A new point of contention arose when Farmaajo claimed that the current President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, had previously attempted to halt the fundraising campaign. The Somali Presidency vehemently denied this allegation, calling Farmaajo’s statement “irresponsible” at a time when the country is facing economic hardships.
Farmaajo’s Response
Former President Farmaajo has expressed deep gratitude to his supporters for their gift, describing the gesture as rare on the African continent.
He stated: “This step is a clear message that the government belongs to the people, and that citizens are willing to sacrifice their wealth when they see leadership serving the national interest.”
Farmaajo also emphasized that the house stands as testament to his integrity during his time in office, noting that he did not use state resources to build personal property, but rather the people have now chosen to build a home for him.
This house, now a politically charged symbol, is expected to further highlight the divisions in public support for the country’s leaders and intensify the already competitive race for the upcoming elections.
