MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday dismissed widespread youth complaints about economic hardships and systemic issues, attributing them to what he called Al-Shabaab tax collectors, online trolls, and those implicated in public funds mismanagement.
Addressing worshippers at a mosque in the presidential complex in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stated that the government would not entertain the grievances of what he described as unreliable sources of dissent.
The President’s remarks follow a surge of social media campaigns led primarily by young Somalis who have been vocal about high unemployment rates, inflation, and perceived corruption within the government. These grievances have been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and a dire economic situation that has left many struggling to make ends meet.
In a poignant display of their economic struggles, Somali youth have taken to social media, sharing images of themselves eating dry loaves of bread to highlight their dire financial situations. These posts criticize President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s policies and point to widespread corruption within his administration as the root cause of their hardship. The stark images, coupled with calls for reform, reflect growing frustration with a leadership accused of failing to address the severe economic challenges facing the nation.
Mohamud’s statement has been met with a mix of skepticism and outrage from various sectors of Somali society. Critics argue that dismissing the legitimate concerns of the youth as being linked to terrorism and trolling could further alienate the population and deepen the divide between the government and its citizens.
In his speech, Mohamud emphasized that the government would maintain a strict stance against what he referred to as income streams that contribute to destabilizing the country.
The President’s comments come at a time when Somalia is grappling with severe economic challenges, including a high unemployment rate and widespread poverty.
As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the Somali government will address the deepening frustrations among its youth and whether President Mohamud’s approach will lead to a resolution or further exacerbate the nation’s troubles.