MOGADISHU—The Somali Government’s first anniversary under the leadership of Prime Hamza Abdi Barre is met with significant public scrutiny as he continues to grapple with a delicate balance of his ‘genuine’ anti corruption intentions and limited power.
Amidst growing concerns over his limited authority, Barre is preparing to mark the upcoming first one- year mark of his cabinet formation with a documentary seeking to showcase what he claims to be successes achieved during his tenure.
Formed his Council of Ministers on Aug 2, with high hopes for stability and progress in the war-torn nation, the Prime Minister’s inability to assert meaningful control over critical government affairs has led to frustration among the Somali populace and the international partners alike.
Experts argue that the lack of decisive action, authority and effective governance by him have hindered the nation’s efforts to tackle long-standing challenges, including security concerns, corruption and poverty.
However, Mr. Barre is set to celebrate his anniversary with an upcoming documentary that will showcase major projects allegedly undertaken under his leadership that will likely raise doubts among many who believe it may not accurately represent the realities on the ground.
In light of that, recent developments show a lack of coordination between the Prime Minister and the President’s communication teams, that gave rise to targeted media campaigns that overshadow the intended celebrations. The months-long discord between the two offices has left a room for conflicting narratives to emerge.
Media outlets are seizing the opportunity to steer public discourse, emphasizing concerns such as slow progress against Al-Shabab, a weakening economy and accusations of politicized anti-corruption efforts, with the President’s allies continue to enjoy complete impunity from graft prosecutions.
Opposition voices are also gaining traction, demanding accountability and evidence-backed achievements, urging a more transparent assessment of the government’s performance. In addition, the government’s plan to dismiss all temporary workers is being questioned for its potential impact on the economy and society.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has come under scrutiny for appointing his family members to key government positions, casting doubt on his commitment to combat corruption in the country.
The controversial move has sparked public outcry, with the slogan “NEW TERM, SAME OLD HASSAN” trending on various public platforms, bringing attention to the apparent disconnect between his anti-corruption rhetoric and the influential roles occupied by his relatives.
MEDIA ASSESSMENTS
In the run up to the documentary broadcast marking the Somali Prime Minister’s one year mark, various media outlets and analysts have seized on the opportunity to critically assess his performance, pointing out inconsistencies and potential misrepresentations in the information to be released to the public.
The assessments have cast a shadow over the Prime Minister’s efforts to present a positive image of his government. They instead underscore his perceived weaknesses and inefficiencies, portraying him as a mere rubber stamp for the President’s decisions.
Dubbed “Xoghaye (aide) Hamza,” the narrative trending on the social media aims to highlight the Prime Minister’s apparent inability to curtail state looting and corruption by influential figures in the government.
INCORRUPTIBLE BUT POWERLESS
The central theme of the independent assessments made by the Somali media houses and analysts is to question the Prime Minister’s autonomy, raising concerns that he may be more beholden to the President’s role than acting as an independent leader.
Despite having developed a reputation for being incorruptible, Mr. Barre had faced several pressing challenges since he assumed office which have revealed his limitations in curbing the pervasive corruption perpetuated by the president’s allies.
The fact that most of his ministers, handpicked by the president and exert more influence and loyalty towards the Presidency than towards him further hinders his efforts to combat corruption that continues to afflict the nation.
There was no evidence suggesting any involvement of the Prime Minister’s family or close relatives in shady deals or corruption practices, which stands in stark contrast to the actions of his boss thus far.
MULTITUDE OF CRISIS
As the anniversary approaches, the media attention is likely to intensify, prompting further examination of the Prime Minister’s leadership and the extent of his influence in decision-making. Critics have highlighted several key areas where the Prime Minister’s leadership has fallen short.
First and foremost, the growing security crisis has been a major concern. The ongoing insurgency by militant groups like Al-Shabab continues to pose a significant threat to stability, and the Prime Minister’s response has been perceived as reactive and inadequate.
Secondly, allegations of corruption within the government have raised eyebrows among the public. Despite assurances of a crackdown on graft, no major breakthroughs have been made, leaving citizens skeptical of genuine efforts to tackle the issue.
Moreover, the Prime Minister’s inability to garner broad support and cooperation from various political factions has resulted in a deadlock and political stalemate involving the government and Federal Member States.
Political infighting and lack of consensus have hampered legislative progress and policy implementation, further reinforcing the perception of his figurehead status.
In contrast to his promises of economic growth and development, the nation’s economic situation remains precarious.
High levels of unemployment, poverty and lack of basic services continue to be persistent challenges, with no significant improvement seen during the first year of his term.
RUBBER STAMP?
Some are questioning whether Barre has served as a mere rubber stamp figurehead, while others have raised concerns about his role, characterizing him as a “Rubber Stamp Figurehead” within the Mohamud’s administration.
During his first year as Prime Minister, Barre’s approach to governance has sparked intense scrutiny, with some arguing that his actions often mirrored those of President Mohamud, without demonstrating substantial individual initiative or independent decision-making.
Many experts and political analysts have pointed out that the Prime Minister’s public statements and policy positions have consistently aligned with the President’s administration’s agenda, leading to speculation about the extent of his influence in shaping the administration’s policies.
During significant policy discussions and high-profile events, Barre’s presence has often been overshadowed by other administration figures, particularly powerful ministers allied to the president.
Despite the debate over his effectiveness and autonomy, he has maintained a steady presence on the national stage, often acting as a key spokesperson for the administration on domestic affairs.
The Prime Minister’s response to the widespread corruption allegedly being committed by the president’s allies and his family members has also come under scrutiny. Many have criticized his unwavering defense of the President, characterizing it as an unquestioning endorsement, rather than a measured, principled stance.
ENVOYS USURP PM’S POWERS
The limited authority of the Prime Minister in a government tightly controlled by the President has also become a growing concern in Somalia in recent months.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent appointments of over two dozen Presidential Envoys have effectively overshadowed ministers and deprived the PM’s office of any substantial authority.
According to observers, that has left the current Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, with minimal power compared to his predecessors.
Despite his growing frustrations over the President’s rule approaches, Mr. Barre has taken little action to prevent the President’s inner circle from encroaching on his office’s responsibilities. Adding to the concern, President Mohamud has unilaterally handpicked Cabinet Members, denying the Prime Minister an opportunity to influence the decision-making process.
That has raised questions about the balance of power within Somalia’s government and highlights the absence of equitable distribution of authority between the President and Prime Minister to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
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