Somalia’s Athletics Scandal: Minister Accuses Head of Defamation Following Viral Video

In a recent incident that has sparked outrage in Somalia, the country’s Sports Minister, Mohamed Barre Mohamud, has accused the head of athletics of defaming the nation after a video of a disappointing performance by a Somali athlete went viral.

The video captured a woman competing for Somalia in the 100 meters at the ongoing Summer World University Games in China, finishing last by a considerable margin. However, the Sports Minister declared that the athlete, Nasro Abukar Ali, was neither a sportsperson nor a runner, raising questions about her participation.

In a letter addressed to the nation’s Olympic committee, Minister Mohamud pointed out that there was no legitimate “Somali University Sports Association,” indicating potential irregularities in the selection process. The woman’s participation in the international event has caused significant embarrassment to Somalis, leading to ridicule and criticism on social media.

The Sports Minister further accused Khadijo Aden Dahir, the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, of abusing her power and engaging in nepotism. He alleged that Dahir had sent Ali to compete despite her apparent lack of qualifications, tarnishing the nation’s name on the global stage.

Mohamud expressed the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ determination to pursue legal action against Khadijo Aden Dahir and anyone else responsible for the alleged falsification of the Somali University Sports Association.

As a course of action, the Minister recommended that the Olympic Committee suspend Dahir and convene an urgent meeting to address the situation.

It’s important to note that Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, faces numerous challenges, including a violent militant insurgency and severe drought conditions.

The nation’s reputation has been further affected by its ranking as the last among 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index in 2022.

This unfolding athletics scandal adds to the country’s woes, bringing to light issues of accountability and transparency within its sporting institutions. The situation is closely watched by the public, who hope for fair and just actions to preserve the integrity of Somali sports and representation on the international stage.