Yusuf M. Gelle
Since assuming office in August 2023, Minister Mohamud Abdirahman Sh. Farah, commonly known as Beene-Beene, has held the reins of the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development (MOPIED). However, the Ministry has languished in a state of inefficacy, marred by nepotism, poor donor relations and a glaring absence of a cohesive development vision. This article scrutinizes the Minister’s year-long performance, offering insights into the multifaceted challenges facing MOPIED and consequently, Somalia’s development trajectory.
The launch of the Pillar Working Group Meeting for Somalia’s Renewed Partnership was touted as a defining moment for MOPIED and Somalia’s relationships with international donors. Unfortunately, the lackluster reception it received from international partners was a new nadir for Somalia. Minister Beene-Beene, who was instrumental in the organization of this event, bears the brunt of the responsibility for this abject failure.
Lack of Vision
One of the most critical functions of MOPIED is to formulate and execute a holistic development vision for Somalia. In the past year, Minister Beene-Beene has failed to articulate any such vision. The absence of a strategic framework has led to a lack of direction, impeding the effective allocation of resources and hampering sustainable development efforts.
Nepotism and Clan Favoritism
The Minister has employed a nepotistic approach in staffing critical departments within MOPIED, notably in Aid Coordination. Appointing unqualified individuals hailing predominantly from his sub-clan, Beene-Beene has reduced the office to a parochial entity with a myopic focus. This has severely undermined the unit’s capacity to manage aid efficiently and to consult effectively with international donors.
Poor Donor Relations
The Pillar Working Group Meeting was the climax of deteriorating relationships between MOPIED and its international donors. Minister Beene-Beene’s failure to engage constructively with these crucial stakeholders has resulted in a breakdown of trust. The unattended launch is a manifestation of this lost confidence, placing future funding and partnerships at significant risk.
Inability to Coordinate
MOPIED’s central role involves coordinating across various governmental agencies and Federal Member States (FMS). However, there has been an evident lack of synergy and cooperative interaction under Minister Beene-Beene’s leadership. This shortcoming is particularly detrimental in a Federal system like Somalia’s, where alignment between the Federal Government and its Member States is crucial for nation-building and development.
Local Expertise vs. Development Leadership
While Minister Beene-Beene has a strong background in local politics and mobilization, these attributes have proven insufficient in steering MOPIED towards a successful future. Good governance involves more than political maneuvering; it requires a deep understanding of economic principles, development frameworks, diplomacy and the unique needs of a recovering nation.
Unless immediate measures are undertaken to rectify these issues, the consequences for Somalia’s development and relationships with international partners could be disastrous. A Ministry as pivotal as MOPIED cannot afford leadership that lacks the vision, competence and integrity needed to usher in a new era of growth and stability for Somalia. The Minister needs to take drastic steps to restore confidence, instil a robust development vision, and reconstruct donor relationships. Failing this, Somalia must reconsider its leadership options for MOPIED to protect its long-term interests.
Yusuf M Gelle is Development and Governance Expert. He can be reached via his email; yusufmgelle@gmail.com
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