Villa Somalia officials strongly denied any such conversation took place.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) - Somalia’s Office of the President has dismissed former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s claim that he paused fundraising for his Marka house at the request of current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, calling it untrue and misleading.
Farmaajo stated that after two weeks of fundraising, he was contacted by the President, who allegedly asked him to stop the fundraising campaign because the elections campaign had ended and the fundraising was distracting the new government as it formed the cabinet and set its priorities. Farmaajo described the halt as due to obstacles perceived by officials.
Villa Somalia officials strongly denied any such conversation took place. Cabdicasiis Golf, Director of Villa Somalia’s Media Office, said: “There was no discussion between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former President Farmaajo about the house or its funding. Farmaajo’s claim is far from reality and does not reflect the leadership responsibilities and pressures at that time.”
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The presidency emphasized that during the house project, the government was fully engaged in critical national priorities, including countering al‑Shabaab, securing debt relief, lifting the arms embargo on Somalia, strengthening diplomatic ties, and building state institutions.
Critics and local media then questioned the timing and optics of the fundraising, saying it diverted attention from urgent humanitarian crises and was inappropriate for a former head of state in a country facing drought and displacement. Some reports also linked the fundraising campaign to potential money-laundering concerns.
Farmaajo’s $295,000 house in El‑Jale, Marka, was inaugurated today. His media team described it as a gesture of gratitude for leadership and service. Sources say insecurity in Marka and Farmaajo’s continued residence abroad make it unlikely he will live in the house soon.
While critics call public fundraising for a former president controversial, Farmaajo’s supporters insist the donations were voluntary, symbolic, and transparent.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.
