Leader:
General Dr. Xasan Maxamed (known as Muungaab) served as Governor of Benadir and Mayor of Mogadishu from February 2014 until October 2015. During his administration he launched a series of high-impact public works and security-led urban reforms aimed at restoring mobility, reclaiming public space, and rebuilding municipal institutions after years of conflict.

Key achievements and initiatives of General Dr. Hassan (Mungab)

• Reconstruction of the Mayor’s Office and Local Government House — Led the refurbishment and formal reopening of the municipal government compound to re-establish local governance presence in the capital.
• Reopening and construction of major roads — Prioritized re-opening many previously blocked streets and initiating reconstruction of key thoroughfares to restore commerce and civilian movement.
• Removal of illegal structures along main roads — Directed the demolition of more than 167 informal structures and encroachments built on main roads and sidewalks to clear transportation corridors and improve public safety.
• Strengthening municipal workforce — Reorganized and recruited technical staff for the municipality, building a more capable local administration focused on service delivery and urban management.

Administrative approach and legacy

Muungaab’s administration combined security priorities with visible urban improvement works. By clearing blocked streets and removing illegal buildings that obstructed traffic and emergency access, his government aimed to re-open the commercial arteries of Mogadishu and signal a return to normal civic life. The drive to professionalize municipal staff sought to create an institutional legacy that could continue maintaining city services after his departure.

Public perception

Supporters describe General Dr. Xasan Maxamed as a patriotic leader and a local hero whose decisive actions delivered quick, tangible improvements on the ground. Critics — as with many short-term municipal administrations in post-conflict cities — warned about the social impact of demolitions on affected households and the need for accompanying social protection measures. Regardless, his tenure is widely remembered for visible, rapid change in Mogadishu’s urban landscape.

Context and challenges

Operating in a fragile security environment and amid limited central resources, the Benadir administration under Muungaab prioritized projects that produced immediate, public-facing results. Road reopenings and clearing of obstructions were executed to benefit commerce, emergency response, and day-to-day mobility, but they also required coordination with federal ministries and local communities to manage displacement and legal claims.

Conclusion

General Dr. Hassan Mohamed (Mungab)’s term as Benadir Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu from February 2014 to October 2015 left a mark on the city’s physical and administrative recovery. His focus on reopening roads, reclaiming public spaces, and building municipal capacity are central elements of how many remember his public service.

Prepared by: aarconsultancy