Somalis Build House for Former President Farmaajo

Somali citizens funded and built a house for former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmaajo, in the coastal city of Marka as a rare gesture of appreciation for his leadership. The project, financed through public donations from Somalis at home and in the diaspora, reflects public trust in his governance and highlights a symbolic message of accountability and respect for leadership.

In a gesture considered rare on a global scale, Somali citizens have collectively built a house for their former president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmaajo, as a show of gratitude for his leadership. The private residence, situated in the historic coastal city of Marka along the Indian Ocean, was funded entirely through voluntary public donations, underscoring a strong sense of appreciation and solidarity among the people.
The initiative was launched in June 2022, shortly after Farmaajo left office, with Somalis both within the country and across the diaspora contributing funds. Through these combined efforts, about $300,000 was raised. Construction of the building, named “Thank You, Mr President,” began in July 2023 and cost approximately $295,000, according to the former president’s communications office. The house was built on a 120 by 140 square metre plot of land close to the beach and was officially inaugurated on 6 February.
Following the inauguration, Farmaajo shared a statement on his social media platforms expressing heartfelt appreciation to all Somali citizens who supported the project. He extended his gratitude to both civilians and members of the security forces, describing the gesture as deeply touching and symbolic of the bond between a leader and the people he served.
Farmaajo served as Somalia’s ninth president from February 2017 to May 2022, having earlier held office as prime minister between 2010 and 2011. Many of those who voluntarily contributed to the construction praised his leadership style, pointing to what they described as careful management of public resources, efforts to restore Somalia’s international image, and progress made in clearing portions of the country’s foreign debt.
He was succeeded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has continued initiatives aimed at rebuilding Somalia after years of conflict and repeated natural disasters, with support from international partners, including Türkiye. In contrast to practices in many other countries, former leaders in Somalia do not receive substantial pensions or post-leadership allowances. Farmaajo had previously stated publicly that he did not own a house in the capital, Mogadishu, and had been living in rented accommodation since leaving office.
The location of the new home also carries symbolic significance. Marka is not only a tourist destination but also a city of historical and political importance, as it houses the residence of Somalia’s first president, Aden Abdulle Hassan. Analysts say the decision by ordinary citizens to fund and build a home for a former leader sends a powerful message about leadership, accountability, and public trust, one that could resonate far beyond Somalia and the African continent.