Mogadishu, Somalia – One of the most prominent Somali opposition politician Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has issued a stark warning to the current administration, stating that corruption at the highest levels of leadership risks becoming a model for misconduct across all government ranks.
Speaking in a recent interview, Abdishakur said that if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior officials are perceived to be engaging in corrupt practices, it sends a dangerous message to the rest of the public sector.
“When leaders normalize corruption, those beneath them will feel justified in doing the same,” he cautioned.
His remarks echo growing public frustration over allegations of mismanagement and preferential treatment within state institutions. Although Abdishakur did not provide specific examples, his criticism reflects broader concerns from civil society groups who have repeatedly called for stronger accountability mechanisms.
The government has frequently defended its record, pointing to reforms in revenue collection and anti-graft legislation. However, Abdishakur argued that real change requires more than policy announcements.
“Corruption is not only about laws—it is about leadership by example,” he said.
The warning comes at a time when Somalia is striving to strengthen its democratic institutions amid economic recovery efforts and ongoing security challenges. Abdishakur insisted that public trust hinges not only on policy successes but on integrity at the top. Without it, he said, even well-intentioned reforms risk being undermined from within.
His comments have sparked debate among political observers, some of whom say the opposition leader is raising legitimate concerns, while others accuse him of exploiting the issue for political gain. Still, his message has struck a chord with ordinary citizens who continue to demand transparency from those in power.
As Somalia prepares for critical governance milestones in the coming year, Abdishakur’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action: true reform, he argues, must begin at the very top.