By Hassan Yusuf

The Somali Regional State Communication Affairs Bureau’s recent response to corruption allegations raised by the Somali Federalist Party presents a familiar pattern of outright denial, deflection, and counter-accusations. The Bureau dismisses claims of stalled infrastructure projects and financial mismanagement as a “defamation campaign,” attempting to maintain an image of effective governance under the leadership of Mustafe Omar. However, beneath the official rhetoric lies a starkly different reality—one characterized by increasing suppression of dissent, a shrinking space for freedom of expression, economic stagnation, and growing disillusionment among the region’s youth.

While the Bureau insists that development efforts are progressing smoothly, evidence on the ground paints a troubling picture of intimidation, exclusion, and deteriorating economic opportunities. This article examines the broader governance challenges in the Somali Region, focusing on the shrinking democratic space, the forced migration of young professionals, increased repression of online activists, and the worsening financial and economic conditions facing the people.

The Somali Region, once a place of political turbulence, experienced a wave of cautious optimism when Mustafe Omar took office in 2018. His early days in power were marked by promises of reform, increased civil liberties, and an end to the authoritarian rule that characterized previous administrations. However, in the years since, these promises have largely unraveled.

One of the most notable regressions has been the deterioration of freedom of expression. Critics of the regional government—whether they are politicians, journalists, or independent activists—face increasing risks of harassment, detention, or exile. Social media activists who highlight corruption, human rights violations, or poor governance have become particular targets. Intimidation tactics, including arbitrary arrests, smear campaigns, and online surveillance, have led many young activists to silence themselves or flee the region entirely.

Instead of fostering dialogue and addressing valid concerns, the administration has adopted a policy of continuous denial, branding critics as “agents of defamation” or “foreign-sponsored saboteurs.” The Somali Regional Communication Affairs Bureau’s recent statement is a clear example of this pattern—dismissing well-documented concerns as mere political propaganda rather than engaging with them transparently.

The Youth Exodus: Fear and Lack of Opportunities

One of the most alarming developments in the Somali Region is the mass departure of skilled youth due to a combination of political repression and economic hardship. The very demographic that should be driving innovation and development in the region—educated, ambitious young people—are instead finding themselves with no viable future at home.

Many young professionals and graduates, who once engaged in social discourse or attempted to improve their communities, now face the looming threat of state retaliation. Those who express opinions critical of the administration—either in public forums or on social media—are often subjected to arbitrary detention or harassment. The increasing use of legal and extralegal measures to silence voices has forced many to either withdraw from public discussions or seek opportunities elsewhere.

Beyond political fears, the economic landscape for youth in the Somali Region has become dire. Promises of investment in education, entrepreneurship, and employment creation have failed to materialize in any meaningful way. Corruption and nepotism dominate the job market, where government contracts and opportunities are distributed to individuals based on political allegiance rather than merit.

For many, the choice is stark: remain in a region with dwindling prospects and rising authoritarianism or leave in search of economic stability and personal freedom. As a result, a growing number of Somali Region’s brightest minds are leaving for cities like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Mogadishu—or even risking dangerous migration routes to the Middle East and Europe.

Repression of Social Media and Alternative Voices

In an era where social media has become a powerful tool for political engagement and mobilization, the Somali Regional Government has ramped up its efforts to control the digital space. Instead of seeing social media as an opportunity for engagement and constructive criticism, the administration views it as a threat.

Activists and commentators who expose corruption, poor governance, or failures in public service delivery are systematically targeted. Intimidation tactics include:

• Cyber harassment and trolling: Government-affiliated actors use online propaganda to discredit independent voices.
• Arbitrary detentions: Several activists have been detained on vague charges such as “inciting unrest” or “spreading misinformation.”
• Surveillance and online monitoring: Digital spaces are increasingly policed, making open discussions about governance challenges risky.

The result is a chilling effect, where fear replaces discourse, and self-censorship becomes the norm. This suppression not only stifles individual freedoms but also deprives the region of critical feedback that could help improve governance and development efforts.

While the government insists that infrastructure projects are moving forward transparently, economic realities tell a different story. Corruption remains rampant, and public funds continue to be misallocated or mismanaged. The Somali Federalist Party’s allegations regarding uncompleted or abandoned projects—such as the Kebri Dehar Clean Drinking Water Project and Jigjiga’s water supply expansion—are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger pattern of mal-governance.

The Disconnect Between Government Claims and Reality

• The Bureau claims that “no contractor has received full payment for an unimplemented project,” yet evidence from communities suggests otherwise.
• The Qubi Bridge Project, allegedly abandoned and later destroyed by flooding, forced residents to contribute their own funds to reconstruct it—highlighting the failure of public service delivery.
• The second phase of Jigjiga’s water supply project, worth 1.36 billion birr, remains incomplete, leaving residents at the mercy of expensive private water vendors.

Meanwhile, rising inflation, food insecurity, and lack of investment in productive sectors continue to make life harder for ordinary citizens. Livestock prices fluctuate due to unstable market access, urban centers struggle with basic infrastructure deficiencies, and small businesses face an increasingly hostile economic environment.

Instead of addressing these real challenges, the administration’s primary response has been denial. By dismissing allegations as politically motivated attacks, the government avoids accountability while the region’s people bear the brunt of financial hardships.

The Somali Regional Government’s communication strategy—marked by denial, intimidation, and deflection—has become a defining feature of its rule. The latest dispute between the Somali Federalist Party and the Regional Administration is not just about a few stalled infrastructure projects; it is a reflection of a deeper governance crisis that encompasses:

• The erosion of freedom of expression
• The forced migration of young professionals
• The repression of independent voices and activists
• The mismanagement of public funds and deteriorating economic conditions

If Mustafe Omar’s administration is genuinely committed to development and progress, it must move beyond defensive rhetoric and engage in meaningful reforms. A transparent and accountable government should welcome scrutiny, address grievances, and prioritize economic and social opportunities for its people.

As it stands, the Somali Region is at a crossroads—one path leads toward greater authoritarian control and economic stagnation, while the other opens possibilities for inclusive governance, transparency, and genuine progress. The choice ultimately rests on whether the administration is willing to listen, engage, and reform—or continue on its current trajectory of denial and suppression.

Hassan Yusuf
Email: hyusufka@gmail.com

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