Tuesday November 4, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports on Monday submitted a case to the Office of the Attorney General against several senior members of the Somali Olympic Committee (SOC) over alleged misconduct and violations.
The officials named in the case include SOC Chairman Ahmed Abdi Hassan (Wataac), Deputy Chairman Duran Ahmed Farah, Secretary-General Mohamed Abdow Haaji, and Assistant Secretary Farah Ali Moalin.
The move follows the ministry’s decision to suspend SOC Chairman Wataac and Secretary-General Haaji, citing preliminary findings of misconduct that allegedly undermined the integrity and governance of the national sports body.
In response, Chairman Ahmed Abdi Hassan (Wataac) criticized the minister’s decision, accusing him of overreach and conflict of interest. Speaking to local media, Wataac said the Somali Olympic Committee is an independent, self-elected institution that does not receive salaries from the government.
He alleged that tensions began after the ministry attempted to seize control of a sports center adjacent to the SOC headquarters, a move he said the committee opposed.
“When we refused to hand over the center, the minister issued an illegal letter terminating our positions,” Wataac claimed.
He further alleged that the ministry previously indicated its buildings center was “no longer needed” and suggested it had been allocated to businessmen with vested interests.
The dispute marks a deepening rift between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Somali Olympic Committee, potentially impacting preparations for upcoming regional and international sporting events.