Controversy between the central government and Hargeisa city council deepens over waaheen market reconstruction

The Mayor of Hargeisa Abdikareem Ahmed Mogeh announced a special committee for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Hargeisa’s largest market which a huge fire engulfed last month.

This statement which was written on 26 April but published last night could be an immediate response to the ministry of public works, land and housing which released a list of names with the same task on Tuesday.

Both sides claimed to have a role for the reconstruction of the market which the constitution guaranteed but disagreed on which capacity for each will play the role. The Mayor and his team noted they should have the role to implement the construction of the market while the central government has the right to oversee the process.

These conflicting statements disclosed a long hidden controversy between the central government and the Mayor of Hargeisa. It’s unclear if the judicial systems could interfere in the case to de-escalate tension and to focus the reconstruction to complete without further disagreements.