By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – The Somali Ministry of Youth and Sports has referred several top officials from the Somali Olympic Committee (SOC) to the Office of the Attorney General over alleged misconduct and violations.
Those 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.
According to the ministry, the officials are accused of engaging in activities that undermine the integrity and governance of the country’s national sports body. The ministry has already suspended Chairman Wataac and Secretary-General Haaji pending investigation.
In a public response, Wataac strongly rejected the accusations, describing the ministry’s actions as politically motivated and an overreach of authority. He argued that the Olympic Committee is an independent, self-elected institution that does not rely on government salaries or interference.
Wataac further claimed that the dispute began when the ministry allegedly attempted to seize control of a sports center adjacent to the SOC headquarters. “When we refused to hand over the center, the minister illegally terminated our positions,” he told local media.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports insists that due legal process will be followed and that the outcome of the investigation will be made public.
Analysts say the growing rift between the ministry and the Olympic Committee could affect Somalia’s preparations for upcoming regional and international sporting events, adding another layer of uncertainty to the country’s already fragile sports administration.
