By Abdikarim Haji Abdi Buh

The recent wave of criticism against Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, widely known as Jama, is as unfair as it is politically motivated. Opposition member Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has attempted to frame Jama’s recent high-profile meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a diplomatic embarrassment — but these narrative collapses when weighed against the facts.

According to the official Facebook page of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdisalan Abdi, the current Foreign Minister, was in Istanbul on June 22, 2025, attending the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In other words, Somalia was already diplomatically represented at the appropriate forum — rendering the criticism of Jama’s separate bilateral engagement in Ankara both misplaced and misleading.

Far from being a breach of protocol, Jama’s reception in Ankara represents the continuation of a longstanding and trusted diplomatic relationship that has brought tangible benefits to Somalia. His professional trajectory spanning service as Minister of Justice, Minister of Defence, and now Minister of Ports is a testament to his competence, versatility, and dedication to the Somali state. Each of these roles has been marked by distinction and impact, and it is time to give credit where it is due.

The Strengths and Stumbles of Minister Jama

Minister Jama is not a political lightweight parachuted into a critical post. His record reflects experience, discipline, and effectiveness.

As Minister of Justice, Jama championed legal reform, strengthened judicial institutions, and prioritized access to justice for marginalized communities. He worked closely with international partners to harmonize Somali laws with constitutional standards and oversaw key steps toward building an independent and professional judiciary. He was widely commended for introducing a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in the justice system and for improving transparency in prosecutorial processes.

Despite Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur’s strong track record across justice, defense, and maritime portfolios, he has faced criticism particularly for his alleged role in the failure of the 2022 Al-Shabaab eradication campaign. As Defense Minister, he was accused of interfering with the military’s command structure, which some claim led to battlefield losses, notably in Caws Weyne. While these claims remain unproven, they highlight that even capable leaders with good intentions can make mistakes. Minister Jama’s broader record, however, shows a committed public servant who has delivered tangible results. Somalia must judge its leaders in balance recognizing human fallibility while protecting those who continue to build the nation.

Now, as Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Jama continues to deliver results. His leadership has brought renewed investment in port infrastructure, expanded maritime cooperation, and positioned Somalia as a critical logistics and trade hub in the Horn of Africa.

Turkey-Somalia Ties: A Strategic Win, not a Protocol Misstep

On December 18, 2024, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially announced that Turkey would build a satellite launch base in Somalia. This landmark initiative supports Turkey’s ambitions in space exploration and missile testing but it also marks Somalia’s first leap into space-related technology infrastructure.

What critics conveniently ignore is that Minister Jama was Somalia’s Defence Minister when this deal was negotiated and advanced. His involvement was not only appropriate it was essential. The satellite base falls squarely under strategic defense cooperation, and Jama’s role helped secure Somalia’s place in Ankara’s long-term strategic plans.

Those suggesting that his recent meeting with President Erdoğan was a breach of protocol fail to grasp the nature of sectoral diplomacy. Heads of state regularly meet with cabinet ministers when discussions concern critical bilateral projects. In this case, maritime development, national defense, and space cooperation are all closely intertwined making Jama a logical and effective representative.

Land Dispute Politicized: A Dangerous Trend

Criticism against Minister Jama has also been amplified by a land dispute in Warsheekh, Middle Shabelle, where the federal government plans to build the satellite ground station. Some elders from the Albgaal sub-clan Galmaax claim their ancestral lands are threatened and allege that the government failed to consult them adequately.

While such grievances must be taken seriously and addressed transparently, turning them into personal accusations against Jama including unfounded claims of land grabbing  is not only unfair but inflammatory. There is no credible evidence linking the minister to any illegal activity. Moreover, the satellite ground station project predates his appointment as Minister of Ports, further weakening any such allegations.

This is a clear attempt to politicize a national infrastructure project by tying it to the clan identity of a single minister. Even more concerning, some have suggested that Jama’s community should “stay in Baidoa” — a veiled tribal insult meant to undermine his legitimacy as a national figure.

This rhetoric is not only unacceptable it is dangerous. Somalia’s fragile federalism cannot survive if competent public officials are attacked based on lineage rather than merit.

A Call to Local Leaders: Consultation Begins at Home

It is important to note that Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muungaab), the Mayor of Mogadishu, hails from the Abgaal-Galmaax sub-clan the very community raising concerns about the satellite base. If community consultation was lacking, his office also bears responsibility. As a senior official with deep local roots, he is well-positioned to mediate the dispute and ensure constructive dialogue.

Pinning the entire matter on Minister Jama is a deflection of responsibility and a manipulation of public sentiment for political ends.

Turning Diplomats into Targets Weakens Somalia

This politicization of diplomacy and development must come to an end. Somalia needs ministers who can command international respect and deliver results. In Jama, the country has one of its most reliable diplomats a public servant who has excelled across three crucial ministries and under two different administrations.

Turkey remains one of Somalia’s most consistent allies. From the reconstruction of Mogadishu’s roads and hospitals to the management of its major port and training of military units, Ankara’s partnership has yielded real progress. The planned satellite base is another milestone in that trajectory — not a misstep.

Opposition figures and commentators should refrain from distorting diplomatic achievements to score political points. Critique is vital in a democracy, but weaponizing protocol or clan narratives to discredit national leaders is corrosive and self-defeating.

Somalia’s Future Requires Unity and Merit-Based Leadership

As Somalia seeks stability, development, and sovereignty, it must protect not punish those who deliver. Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur has served this nation with distinction, from the justice system to defense, and now in maritime advancement. His credibility with strategic partners like Turkey is a rare and valuable asset.

Rather than undermining him with fabricated allegations and tribal rhetoric, Somalia’s political class and civil society must rally around shared national goals — including justice, transparency, and inclusive development.

If Somalia is to chart a course toward peace and global relevance, it must uplift those who build not tear them down for political convenience.

Abdikarim Haji Abdi Buh
Email: abdikarimbuh@yahoo.com