Mogadishu, (Idil News) – A wave of criticism has swept across Somalia following a controversial cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The appointment of Mohamed Abdikadir Ali as the new Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs has sparked outrage, with many pointing to his familial ties as the sole qualification for the role. Ali is the son-in-law of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reigniting debates over nepotism in the country’s leadership.
The decision, announced on Monday, has drawn sharp reactions on Social media, where users have labeled it a blatant example of favoritism in a government already under scrutiny;
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointing his son-in-law as Minister of Youth and Sports is peak nepotism,” one user posted. “Somalia deserves leaders chosen for merit, not marriage.
Somali people argue that Ali’s lack of experience in youth affairs or sports administration creates significant questions about his ability to tackle the pressing worries in these sectors. Somalia, grappling with ongoing terrorism threats from Al-Shabaab and widespread instability, has seen growing calls for competent leadership to address its myriad issues. “While the country burns, HSM hands out jobs to family,” another user tweeted, echoing a sentiment shared widely online.
The appointment has fueled a broader narrative of governance plagued by clan loyalty and personal connections rather than public service. Hashtags like #Somalia and #Nepotism have trended on Twitter, with many questioning whether this move will further erode trust in HSM’s administration. “Power in Somalia is a family business,” one post quipped, pointing out the frustration among citizens.
The appointment of Mohamed Abdikadir Ali is a test of whether Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership peaked above cronyism or if it will remain mired in the politics of kinship.