By Dayib Sh. Ahmed
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud speaks out of both sides of his mouth, saying one thing while doing another, becoming the very embodiment of political dishonesty and moral decay. His leadership has proven to be an empty vessel, propped up by grandiose promises and manipulative rhetoric. This begs the critical question: Does his leadership serve Somalia’s interests, or is it merely a vehicle for his personal quest for power? Despite donning the facade of a statesman, his actions consistently reveal a man driven by self-preservation at the expense of Somalia’s progress and well-being. Furthermore, his repeated inconsistencies raise serious concerns about his commitment to Somalia’s future.
From the outset, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud built his political career on promises of reform, unity, and progress. However, his leadership has been marked by broken promises and a stark disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Despite presenting himself as a reformer and a unifier, his governance is characterized by divisive politics, rampant corruption, and a failure to address critical national issues.
This failure is exacerbated by his apparent focus on political survival rather than addressing the pressing needs of the nation. For instance, during Friday prayers, he often stands in the mosque at Villa Somalia, preaching messages of anti-corruption and anti-tribalism, yet his actions suggest otherwise. His administration has been riddled with favoritism and nepotism, undermining the very principles he claims to uphold. This hypocrisy is glaring; while he calls for unity and integrity, his governance has perpetuated the tribal divisions and corruption he publicly denounces. Instead of leading by example, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has become a symbol of the very issues he vows to combat, further deepening public disillusionment with his leadership.
Moreover, while Hassan Sheikh frequently preaches the importance of abandoning tribalism and working toward national unity, his actions paint a different picture., surrounding himself with close clan members, family, and long-time loyalists, creating an environment of favoritism and exclusivity. This approach has alienated many, particularly opposition figures, who view his administration as a family-run enterprise. Instead of promoting inclusivity, Hassan Sheikh’s tenure appears to be dominated by a small circle of trusted allies and relatives, intensifying concerns about governance and fairness. Additionally, the relationship between the federal government and the federal member states has been fraught with conflict during his leadership. Tensions have escalated as the central government has struggled to assert its authority, often disregarding the autonomy of the states. This has led to a growing sense of frustration among state leaders, who feel sidelined and disrespected. Instead of fostering collaboration and dialogue, Hassan Sheikh’s administration has often resorted to top-down directives that undermine the principles of federalism.
While Hassan Sheikh has consistently positioned himself as a leader ready to tackle Somalia’s deep-rooted challenges, particularly insecurity and governance, his administration has failed to make any meaningful progress in these areas. The persistent threats posed by Al-Shabaab and the rise of leadership conflicts between the federal government and member states are clear indicators that his promises have not been realized. Furthermore, while opportunities for genuine reform have existed, Hassan Sheikh has utilized these moments not to advance Somalia’s interests but rather to prolong his tenure in power. Promises of democratic reforms, such as the “one person, one vote” system, remain unfulfilled, and the uncertainty surrounding upcoming elections further erodes the fragile trust in the political system.
This stark contrast between Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the public highlights a troubling disconnect. On October 17, 2024, at least seven people lost their lives, and six others were injured after a suicide bomber detonated explosive in a restaurant in Somalia’s capital. The President’s lack of empathy is glaringly apparent. His decision to host and attend a celebratory event amid a national tragedy would likely be condemned as a callous act of indifference, as Abdullahi A. Nor wrote in his article on WardheerNews. This blatant disregard for the suffering of his people further underscores the administration’s detachment from the realities on the ground and deepens the public’s disillusionment with his leadership. This calamity has been widely condemned as a staggering act of political insensitivity and an egregious failure of leadership. This tone-deaf display, combined with his administration’s chronic neglect of the people’s needs, has intensified public frustration. The contrast between his empty promises and actions has become painfully clear, eroding confidence in his ability to lead. The Somali people, once hopeful for change, now perceive an administration that prioritizes power over empathy, reform, and accountability.
For-instance, in 1954, U.S. Senator Joseph Welch famously asked Senator Joseph McCarthy, “Have you no sense of decency?” in response to McCarthy’s ruthless actions. Today, a similar question must be asked of Hassan Sheikh: Have you no decency? As the Somali people endure crippling poverty, insecurity, and daily struggles for survival, Hassan Sheikh’s administration appears preoccupied with amassing personal wealth, silencing critics, and clinging to power at all costs. Somalia faces immense challenges, and its path to stability requires strong, accountable leadership. Unfortunately, Hassan Sheikh’s tenure has contributed to further instability. Somalia is now at a critical crossroads, where the need for national unity and security is overshadowed by political maneuvering. When Hassan Sheikh returned to power, expectations were already low due to his past record. His first term was marred by corruption, insecurity, and a government more focused on survival than on service. Regrettably, his second term has done little to break from this pattern, with familiar promises, delays, and failures marking his leadership once again.
The current administration is dominated not by competent individuals capable of addressing Somalia’s pressing issues but by political loyalists and sycophant focused on consolidating power. A prime example is the 10th National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu on October 4, 2024. Once a crucial platform for national dialogue, it has devolved into mere political theater, further evidencing the administration’s lack of substance. In the past two years, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration has little to show.
Despite pledging democratic reforms, including “one person, one vote,” none of these promises have materialized. Instead, these pledges appear to be calculated attempts to delay the 2026 elections, exacerbating the growing disillusionment among the Somali people. Hassan Sheikh’s leadership has become synonymous with unfulfilled potential. His speeches are full of grand visions, yet the reality for ordinary citizens remains unchanged. The Somali people see the widening gap between rhetoric and action, and they are increasingly ready for governance that delivers tangible results. Somalia has endured much under this administration, from ongoing security threats to an economy struggling to meet the needs of its citizens. While Hassan Sheikh’s administration remains focused on maintaining power, the Somali people have been left to bear the brunt of this neglect. It is clear that Somalia cannot afford to wait any longer. The time has come for the Somali people to demand the leadership they deserve, one that prioritizes action, accountability, and the real needs of the nation.
In conclusion, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership, once seen as a potential turning point for Somalia, has instead become a symbol of broken promises, political maneuvering, and moral decay. His administration’s actions, or lack thereof, have highlighted a profound disconnect between the lofty ideals of his rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. While the Somali people grapple with insecurity, poverty, and daily hardships, Hassan Sheikh’s government has been preoccupied with consolidating power, quelling dissent, and failing to address the nation’s most urgent needs.
The Somali people deserve leadership that genuinely reflects their struggles, one that prioritizes national unity, reforms, and the long-overdue progress they have been promised. Hassan Sheikh’s tenure, marred by inconsistencies and political survivalist, is a reminder that Somalia’s future cannot be built on empty words. The time for real governance is now—Somalis must demand accountability, empathy, and true commitment to the country’s well-being. Only then can the nation move toward stability, prosperity, and lasting peace. and state building.
Dayib Sh. Ahmed
Email: Dayib0658@gmail.com
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Related Articles:
A Warlord in Disguise: A Critical Analysis of the Second Term of Hassan Sheikh By Dayib A.
President Hassan Sheikh’s flawed Plan for the 10th National Consultative Council (NCC) is doomed to fail By Abdullahi A Nor
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