By Mohamed A Yasin

In yet another troubling display of political overreach, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has inserted himself into the country’s delicate electoral discourse—making offhand remarks that are not only ill-timed but fundamentally undermine the credibility of ongoing national negotiations.

Speaking on the highly sensitive issue of the one-person, one-vote (1P1V) electoral model, Minister Fiqi—whose constitutional portfolio has nothing to do with elections—delivered a tone-deaf statement framing the controversial and staged voter registration activities in South West and Galmudug states as legitimate democratic progress.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Both South West and Galmudug are led by presidents whose mandates have expired. Moreover, Presidents Abdiasis Laftagareen and Ahmed Abdi Qoorqoor and Villa Somalia are one and the same, as they have joined President Hassan Sheikh’s newly formed Justice and Unity Party.

South wast and Galmudug federal member states are also deeply compromised by Al-Shabaab’s control and presence. Large portions of their territories remain inaccessible, with security too fragile to allow for genuine voter registration or free and fair elections. The ongoing charade of voter registration is a political smokescreen—at best, a stage-managed exercise meant to create an illusion of progress, and at worst, a tool of distraction timed to overshadow the consultation meeting taking place between Villa Somalia and the opposition.

The consultative meeting slated for July 20, represents a pivotal opportunity for dialogue and consensus on Somalia’s electoral future. It is precisely the kind of process that should be nurtured by responsible leaders—not undermined by unsolicited comments from ministers speaking far outside their remit.

Fiqi’s remarks are symptomatic of a deeper pattern. Since taking office, he has shown an unchecked eagerness to speak on virtually every issue, often with more flair than thought. His behavior increasingly resembles that of a social media influencer chasing soundbites rather than a statesman safeguarding national interests. In fact, some observers have joked—only half in jest—that he speaks more like a TikTok activist than a cabinet minister. And, as has happened before, he often walks back his words after the damage is done. Perhaps it’s time he consulted a professional to help him exercise the discipline required by his high office.

Fiqi must also be reminded that the Badbaado Qaran era—a political campaign in which he played a central role—is long gone. Those were the days when slogans like “Back to 1991” were inscribed on camels and weaponized in political theatre. But this is 2025, and Somalia’s fragility demands more than nostalgia-driven rhetoric and manufactured drama. The country needs seriousness, restraint, and leadership rooted in consensus and legitimacy.

By declaring that there is “no option” other than an election overseen by the current National Independent Electoral Commission—a body widely regarded as a political extension of the presidency—Fiqi has not only jumped the gun but has effectively tried to shut down national debate. The current electoral model and laws were drafted without the participation of federal member states or opposition parties. This is not how functioning democracies operate.

Somalia’s constitution mandates inclusive dialogue. Premature declarations, especially from ministers outside their purview, only fuel suspicion and deepen political fractures.

Even within his own government, many ministers reportedly struggle to access President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud or receive responses to pressing concerns. Yet here is the Defense Minister doubling as the unsolicited spokesperson for Villa Somalia’s partisan agenda.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t progress—it’s propaganda.

Any meaningful electoral process must begin with credible security, inclusive frameworks, and national consensus. None of these prerequisites exist today in South West or Galmudug. To suggest otherwise is a cynical attempt to paper over dysfunction with theater, and to insult the intelligence of the Somali people.

The Somali public deserves honesty—not manipulation. They deserve leaders who respect institutions, who stay in their lane, and who remember that governance is a duty, not a performance.

Minister Fiqi would do well to return his focus to Somalia’s defense sector, where serious challenges remain—from terrorist threats to institutional reforms. Undermining electoral consensus with erratic commentary does nothing to stabilize the nation.

As the July 20 consultations approach, the need for sober, disciplined, and principled leadership could not be greater.

In closing, a basic rule of leadership bears repeating: just because one has a microphone doesn’t mean one must always speak into it. Silence, at times, is the highest form of statesmanship.

 Because, as a Somali elder once said: “Nin hadal badan, hawl yaraa.”
(He who talks too much, does too little.)

Mohamed A Yasin
Email: moyasin680@gmail.com

——————–
Related article

Why Somalia isn’t ready for one-person, one-vote elections By Mohamed A Yasin