By Dayib Sh Ahmed
This is Part I of a series exposing patterns of abuse of power, entrenched nepotism, cronyism, and systemic corruption that have come to define much of Somalia’s political leadership. The series seeks to illuminate how these practices have undermined governance, stalled economic development, and eroded public trust. Part II will turn to Puntland, an in-depth examination, followed by other regions, painting a broader picture of a nation where government institutions are reduced into family enterprises, and where leadership and accountability remain deeply absent.
Introduction
The history and lived experience of state-building across the world teach us that nations must periodically engage in self-reflection carefully examining the weaknesses within their systems of governance, questioning the direction of their political trajectory, and assessing the quality and character of their leadership. Today, Somalia appears to stand at a critical juncture. Fundamental questions are emerging regarding the nature of its statehood, the integrity of its accountability mechanisms, and the steadily eroding trust of its citizens. Concerns are mounting over allegations of nepotism, corruption, and a governing style increasingly perceived as concentrating state power and national resources in the hands of a select few.
The most persistent and serious accusations directed at the current administration center on what many view as widespread nepotism. It is frequently alleged that members of the president’s family have been appointed to influential positions that bear directly on the country’s strategic affairs particularly in the domains of foreign policy, security, and key economic institutions.
Critics argue that this is not merely a legal concern, but one that strikes at the very ethical foundation of governance and undermines public confidence in national institutions that are meant to serve all citizens equally. When public office is allocated on the basis of kinship, personal loyalty, or friendship rather than merit, competence, transparency, and experience, as required by the law the credibility, dignity, and effectiveness of state institutions inevitably decline. Moreover, growing evidence points to questionable management of public assets and national revenue streams. There are increasing claims that certain agreements have disproportionately benefited individuals closely connected to the president, including family members, associates, and political allies.
Core state functions that were once directly administered by the government such as tax collection, immigration services, the management of Mogadishu Port, and revenue oversight of Aden Adde International Airport have reportedly been transferred to private entities with alleged links to the president’s family. While public-private partnerships are not inherently problematic, the central question remains: were these arrangements conducted through transparent procedures, open competition, and credible oversight? Or do they instead reflect a system designed to concentrate economic power within a narrow network tied to the presidency?
Serious concerns have also been raised regarding the sale and misuse of public assets, particularly state-owned land. Various reports indicate that government property has been unlawfully sold or transferred to private individuals, often at the expense of vulnerable communities who have faced displacement and coercion as a result. Such practices directly erode public trust and undermine citizens’ confidence in the very foundations of statehood.
Furthermore, there are growing complaints mismanagement in the administration of military resources and the awarding of government contracts. Questions of transparency and accountability become even more pronounced in relation to agreements concluded with foreign states, notably Turkey, in areas such as oil exploration. These arrangements have reportedly been conducted without public disclosure or meaningful institutional oversight. Even the Federal Parliament constitutionally mandated to scrutinize and approve such international agreements appears to have been sidelined, with little to no clarity provided on the terms involved. It is widely alleged that the details of these agreements remain opaque, including the critical issue of ownership shares and revenue distribution. The absence of transparency not only fuels suspicion but also raises fundamental concerns about sovereignty, accountability, and the equitable management of national resources.
Further controversy arose on March 14, 2026, when Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Saalax Jaamac accompanied by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed; the President’s daughter, Jihan Hassan; and Somalia’s Ambassador to Washington, D.C. Dahir Hassan Cabdi held a meeting with members of the House of Delegates in the U.S. state of West Virginia. Following this engagement, they publicly announced that an agreement had been concluded with the United States government.
Despite these claims, the episode raises serious concerns about the administration’s understanding of international relations and diplomatic protocol. Engaging a single U.S. state and presenting it as a bilateral agreement with the United States government suggests either a fundamental misunderstanding or a deliberate inflation of diplomatic outcomes.
In reality, West Virginia is among the poorest states in the United States, ranking near the bottom around 49th in economic productivity. A significant portion of its population, roughly 70%, depends on federal government support. As such, it is difficult to see how engagement with West Virginia could bring any meaningful economic or strategic benefit to Somalia.
Furthermore, international agreements in sectors such as minerals and petroleum are typically concluded either between sovereign states or with globally competitive companies that possess the capital, technology, and expertise required for exploration and production. This situation reflects a serious lapse in judgment and undermines the dignity and institutional integrity of the Somali state. It signals poor planning, lack of experience, and a troubling misdirection by the current leadership in handling matters of national importance.
Positions and Alleged Activities of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Family and Close Associates
Mohamed Abduqadir Ali – Son-in-law of the President. Appointed to a position for which he lacked any professional experience, relying solely on his marriage to the President’s daughter; he currently serves as Minister of Youth and Sports in the Federal Government of Somalia.
Jihaan Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – President’s daughter. Current roles: Senior Adviser to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (2023) and Legal Adviser to the Cabinet. Allegedly functions as a de facto Foreign Minister despite her youth and limited professional experience, reportedly influencing diplomatic appointments and excluding experienced ambassadors from key meetings.
Subayda Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – Another daughter of the President. Position: Consul and Legal Adviser, United Nations Delegation (2025), with no formal experience in government administration or diplomacy.
Colonel Abdifitaax Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – Son of the President. Position: Commander of the Presidential Guard and Head of Military Logistics and Supplies for Villa Somalia. Joined the military in 2025 and received rapid promotions surpassing more experienced officers.
Abdiqani Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – Son of the President. Allegedly involved in land appropriation in the Sinai district, contributing to widespread displacement of Mogadishu residents.
The wife of Abdiqani Hassan Director General Somali bureau of standards (2025), with no publicly known professional experience.
Aadan Rooble – Brother-in-law of the President (husband of Jihan). Position Director of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank (October 2024), a critical economic role acquired through political appointment.
Cabdirisaaq, President’s stepson– The owner of Arimas Group of Companies, managing portions of Aden Adde International Airport, including VIP and logistical services.
Hussein Sheikh Mohamud, President’s brother. Allegedly secured lucrative contracts for military fuel supply and vehicle plate registration systems.
Ali Sheikh Mohamud – President’s brother. Allegedly a beneficiary of multiple government procurement contracts.
Qamar Ali, First lady. Alleged involvement in land grabbing, government contracts, and shareholder in AirArabia operating the Mogadishu–Dubai route.
Sahro Omar, Second lady. Alleged involvement in land grabbing, government contracts, shares in FlyDubai, and reportedly awarded military food supply contracts worth millions.
Hinda Culusow, Close relative. Head of Protocol at Villa Somalia, allegedly controlling access to the President, influencing diplomatic participation, and implicated in corrupt practices
Other family members are reportedly implicated in land appropriation and government contracting.
Read more: Erosion of Trust and the Monopoly of Power: Somalia at a Tipping Point
Dayib Sh. Ahmed
Email: Dayib0658@gmail.com
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Dayib is a writer, political analyst and WardheerNews contributor