MOGADISHU — The Presidency of Somalia has rejected reports claiming that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held discussions with former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo concerning a house reportedly built for Somalia’s ninth president.

In a statement issued on social media, the Director of Information and Media Relations at the Presidency, Abdicasiis Xasan Maxamed, said the reports were inaccurate and did not reflect reality. He stated that no discussions had taken place between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo regarding the construction of the property, which was reportedly built in the coastal town of Marka.

“There has been no dialogue between the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo concerning the alleged construction of a house,” the statement said, describing the claims attributed to the former president as unfounded and inconsistent with the responsibilities and leadership pressures associated with the presidency.

The Presidency said that during the period referenced by Farmaajo, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was fully engaged in key national priorities, including the military campaign against Al-Shabaab, efforts to secure international debt relief, initiatives aimed at lifting the long-standing arms embargo on Somalia, the restoration of diplomatic relations, and the strengthening of state institutions.

The statement described the allegations as regrettable, accusing the former president of spreading misinformation about the current head of state. It said it was unfortunate for a former national leader to make claims lacking factual basis, suggesting such statements were driven by a desire for media attention.

The Presidency also addressed reports regarding the alleged cost of the house, said to amount to approximately $300,000, drawing a contrast between such claims and the difficult humanitarian conditions facing many Somalis.

“At a time when the Somali people are enduring severe hardship, including the impacts of drought, it is unfortunate and inconsistent with a sense of responsibility to highlight a property reportedly constructed at such a cost,” the statement said, adding that such narratives do not reflect the leadership accountability expected from those who have governed the country or seek future leadership roles.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Presidency, commonly known as Villa Somalia, amid heightened political sensitivities and increased public scrutiny of leadership conduct and accountability.