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The Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports has formally filed a case with the Office of the Attorney General against several senior officials of the Somali Olympic Committee (SOC), accusing them of misconduct and governance violations. Those named in the case include SOC Chairman Ahmed Abdi Hassan, commonly known as Wataac, Deputy Chairman Duran Ahmed Farah, Secretary-General Mohamed Abdow Haaji, and Assistant Secretary Farah Ali Moalin.
According to the ministry, the move comes after an internal review revealed signs of mismanagement and irregularities within the SOC’s operations. The ministry emphasized that the officials would go through proper legal procedures and that all outcomes of the investigation would be made public in a transparent manner. The ministry’s statement also confirmed that Chairman Wataac and Secretary-General Haaji had already been suspended pending the completion of the probe.
Officials said the investigation aims to restore integrity and accountability within Somalia’s sports administration, ensuring that the national Olympic body operates in line with both ethical and legal standards. The ministry noted that public confidence in sports institutions depends on clear governance and responsible leadership, particularly as Somalia seeks to strengthen its participation in regional and international competitions.
In response, Chairman Wataac rejected the ministry’s actions, calling the suspension illegal and politically motivated. Speaking to local media, he accused the Minister of Youth and Sports of overstepping his authority and acting out of personal interest rather than following established sports regulations. Wataac argued that the Somali Olympic Committee is an independent body, self-governed and not directly employed or paid by the government, and therefore not subject to ministerial dismissal.
He further claimed that the dispute between the two sides began when the ministry allegedly tried to take control of a sports center located next to the SOC headquarters in Mogadishu. According to Wataac, the committee refused to hand over the center, prompting the ministry to issue what he described as an “unlawful termination letter.” He alleged that the ministry had earlier declared the facility redundant and hinted that it might have been reallocated to private businessmen with personal interests.
The disagreement has exposed a growing rift between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Somali Olympic Committee, two institutions that are meant to work together in promoting national sports development. Observers fear that the escalating dispute could disrupt ongoing preparations for Somalia’s participation in upcoming regional and international sporting events, including Olympic qualification programs.
Many in Somalia’s sports community have expressed concern that the tension could harm the progress made in recent years to rebuild national sports infrastructure and international representation. Calls have been made for both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than confrontation, emphasizing the importance of unity in supporting Somali athletes.
As the case proceeds to the Attorney General’s office, it remains unclear how it will affect the leadership and operations of the Somali Olympic Committee. However, the ministry has promised that justice will be served fairly, ensuring accountability while protecting the credibility of national sports institutions. For now, the Somali sports community watches closely, hoping the outcome will lead to reform, transparency, and stronger collaboration between the government and independent sports bodies.