In a move that has sent shockwaves through Somalia's athletic community, the nation's Ministry of Youth and Sports has taken decisive action against its Olympic leadership. But here's where it gets controversial... The ministry has suspended the Somali Olympic Committee's (SOC) President, Ahmed Abdi Hassan Wataac, and Secretary-General, Mohamed Abdow Haaji, citing alleged misconduct. This bold step, announced on Monday, November 3, 2025, raises critical questions about governance and ethics in Somali sports.
According to an official statement, the suspension stems from preliminary findings of an internal investigation. The probe revealed that the two leaders allegedly acted in ways that violated the rules, ethical standards, and governance principles of the national sports body. And this is the part most people miss... Such actions, the ministry claims, have eroded trust between the ministry and the various sub-committees of the Olympic Committee.
Mohamed Abdulqadir Ali, the Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that this decision aims to bolster transparency, accountability, and independence within Somali sports organizations. He stated, “This measure is crucial for restoring faith in our athletic institutions and ensuring they operate with integrity.”
Efforts to obtain a comment from Chairman Wataac were initially unsuccessful. However, he later indicated that he plans to address the allegations at a more appropriate time. Both Wataac and Haaji were elected to their positions just a year ago during the ninth SOC elections, with each serving a four-year term.
The SOC’s leadership structure includes a president, secretary-general, and vice presidents, all elected by the committee. This suspension marks a significant moment in Somali sports governance, as it highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining ethical standards at the highest levels.
Here’s the controversial part... While the ministry’s actions are framed as a step toward greater accountability, some may argue that the suspension could be seen as a power play or an overreach. Is this a necessary corrective measure, or does it raise concerns about due process and fairness? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. How do you think this situation should be handled to ensure both justice and the integrity of Somali sports?
