(30-07-23) MOGADISHU – The family of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces severe allegations of land expropriation in the Hamarweyne district of Mogadishu, following an attack on a popular local restaurant, Geel-doox.
Haawo Geeldoox, the proprietor of the attacked restaurant, alleges that she and her staff were subjected to torture by police officers dispatched to the scene. Geeldoox tearfully recounted how she provided food for the President’s army when he and President Sharif were under attack, only to be repaid with “torture and looting” after his rise to the presidency.
The restaurant, located between the Shabelle intersection and the Ma’ida Hotel, was the site of a past attack on President Hassan Sheikh. “President Hassan Sheikh is meant to be the president for all the people. But today, I am lodging complaints against the representatives of this government,” Geeldoox disclosed. “I was assured of empowerment, instead, I was battered with a firearm.”
Reports suggest Geeldoox is not alone in her complaints against the President’s family, accused of land grabbing and abuse of power. These accusations have seen a disturbing surge recently, leading to mounting public dissent in Mogadishu.
Amidst the escalating backlash, President Hassan Sheikh continues to assert his commitment to fighting against “corruption.” However, this rhetoric has invited further scrutiny and public debate. Critics and victims of the alleged land grabs are asking – who, precisely, is the “scum” the President refers to if his own family stands accused of such flagrant abuses of power?
This unfolding controversy, casting a shadow on President Hassan Sheikh’s administration, is set to keep the Somali public and the international community on tenterhooks as more developments are expected.
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