A large-scale consultative meeting took place yesterday at a hotel in Mogadishu, drawing over 200 members of the Reer Aw Xasan clan. The gathering was convened to address growing concerns over the clan’s representation at the federal level, with pointed criticism aimed at Minister of Education Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir and MP Mohamed Haji.
Sources indicate that federal security forces unexpectedly attempted to block the meeting, reportedly under pressure from Minister Farah himself, who was allegedly opposed to his own clan holding a dialogue on issues of political exclusion and favoritism. Participants denounced this interference as an affront to their right to consultation and expression.
The clan also strongly criticized the controversial manner in which MP Mohamed Haji acquired parliamentary seat HOP086. They claimed the seat was unjustly relocated to Mogadishu, bypassing its rightful electoral constituency, raising further questions about transparency and fairness.
Reer Aw Xasan community leaders announced that these consultative meetings would continue, vowing to mobilize until a full review of their representation in the Federal Government of Somalia is conducted. A broad-based campaign is already underway calling for accountability and reform.
Adding to the community’s grievances, residents pointed to the recent exclusion of Mahas District in Hiiraan, renowned for its resistance against Al-Shabaab, from the national list of 12th-grade examination centers. This controversial decision has been linked to Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, sparking outrage and disappointment among parents, students, and educators alike.
Accusations of corruption and mismanagement have also surfaced against the Minister. Unverified reports allege that he has used Ministry resources for personal gain, including the purchase of luxury properties in Nairobi’s upscale Kilimani neighborhood.
Both Minister Farah and MP Mohamed Haji now face allegations of directly interfering with the selection process for members of Somalia’s National Higher Education Committee. While the list was originally meant to be merit-based and transparent, the two are accused of manipulating the process to exclude Dr. Omar Faruq Sheikh Abdiaziz—an experienced education expert and former Director General at the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.
Dr. Omar is believed to have been deliberately sidelined over fears that he might contest the chairmanship of the Committee.
