Questions Arise Following the Appointment of Somalia’s New Ambassador and First Secretary to the U.S.

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Somalia’s U.S. Ambassador

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The mid-2024 designation of Dahir Hassan Arab as Somalia’s envoy to America has stirred the pot, with whispers of favoritism and questionable conduct in the mix. Arab, who previously led SIMAD University, landed this gig courtesy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite lacking credentials in diplomacy or foreign management. He’s got a Master’s in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda.

Alongside him, Mohamed Muse, once the chief of SIMAD ILAB, snagged the role of First Secretary at the Somali embassy in Washington. Muse’s selection turned heads, given that he earned his Master’s degree in Japan back in President Hassan’s initial stint. This curiosity begs the question: is he truly cut out for a diplomatic position?

During SIMAD University’s latest campus launch, former Planning Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Aynte came clean, revealing his hand in facilitating a scholarship for Mohamed Muse. This statement brings the cozy relationship between SIMAD University and the Somali regime into sharp relief. There’s a growing sentiment that President Hassan Sheikh may be leveraging his influence to favor SIMAD-connected individuals.

Tensions ratcheted when the Upper House grilled Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. Allegations surfaced, accusing Fiqi of unlawfully picking 17 senior advisors for Somali embassies around the globe, none of whom came wielding the necessary diplomatic chops or Foreign Affairs ministry experience.

Reports indicate that these advisors landed in Somali embassies across notable nations such as Turkey, the USA, Uganda, Kuwait, Syria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and other places, shining a harsh light on the hiring practices of today’s administration.

Source: AXADLETM