Mogadishu, Somalia — Facing a storm of criticism from political opponents, and citizens online, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud finds himself navigating a deepening crisis of public trust.
Critics accuse the president of reneging on campaign promises of reform and good governance, with many drawing parallels between his administration and the one he once fiercely condemned.
Since returning to power in 2022, Mr. Mohamud has been besieged by deepening crisis, ranging from allegations of land grabs to accusations of corruption and crackdowns on dissent.
Once a vocal critic of his predecessor’s authoritarian tendencies, Mr. Mohamud is now accused of embracing similar practices, including consolidating power, targeting journalists, and stifling freedom of expression.
“President Mohamud promised a government rooted in accountability and justice, but what we are witnessing is a betrayal of those values,” said Abri Ahmed, a political analyst in Mogadishu.
“The same tools of repression he decried are now being wielded under his administration.”
The backlash has been particularly acute on social media, where users have unearthed past speeches and interviews in which Mr. Mohamud lambasted his predecessor for alleged corruption and authoritarianism.
Memes juxtaposing his previous statements with current policies have gone viral, amplifying a perception of hypocrisy.
One particularly contentious episode involves a crackdown on media outlets critical of the government.
Since last year, security forces raided the offices of independent broadcasters, arresting several journalists and confiscated equipment.
While officials claimed the action was part of a counterterrorism operation, press freedom advocates called it a thinly veiled attack on dissent.
“Journalists are being treated as enemies of the state,” said Fatima Ali, an editor at a Mogadishu-based online news website.
“The president’s past promises to protect press freedom seem to have been conveniently forgotten.”
The government has defended its actions, with officials arguing that measures to curtail disinformation and ensure national security are necessary in a fragile country battling insurgency and economic challenges.
But the explanations have done little to quell public outrage.
Mr. Mohamud’s struggles are compounded by his administration’s failure to deliver on key promises, including economic reforms and federal state-building efforts.
Critics argue that the government’s focus on centralizing power has alienated regional administrations, further destabilizing the already fragile federal system.
The president’s supporters, however, contend that he is being unfairly maligned.
Still, the growing discontent represents a significant political liability for Mr. Mohamud as he seeks to solidify his legacy in his second term.
Whether he can navigate these crises and restore public confidence remains an open question, but for now, his administration is dogged by much more criticisms than he once leveled against others.
Observers say the contradictions between Mr. Mohamud’s rhetoric and his governance could have lasting implications for Somalia’s fragile democracy.
“Trust in leadership is already precarious in Somalia,” said Ahmed. “Every broken promise only deepens the chasm between the government and its people.”
For now, the president’s own words may be his most formidable adversary.
——————————————————————
Have questions, tips, opinion pieces, or stories to share? Email us at info@somalistandard.com.
We’d love to hear from you!
