Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali international football referee Omar Abdikadir Artan has sounded the alarm over what he describes as deep-seated corruption and weak oversight within the country’s passport system, warning that the failures are undermining national security and eroding public trust.
Speaking on Monday, Artan claimed that passports designated for government employees and diplomats are being misused by “unqualified insiders” who exploit loopholes to gain unauthorized access.
He stressed that this malpractice has created fertile ground for abuse, particularly targeting young women, who he said are increasingly being taken advantage of in the process.
“The system is broken. Passports intended for civil servants and diplomats are hijacked by individuals with no merit or legitimacy. This exploitation must stop,” Artan said.
The referee, who has officiated on behalf of FIFA in international tournaments, framed his intervention as a civic duty, noting that the integrity of Somalia’s travel documents directly affects both domestic security and the country’s international reputation.
Artan urged Somali authorities to launch urgent reforms, including stricter verification procedures, enhanced monitoring of passport issuance, and the establishment of accountability mechanisms to curb insider corruption.
“This is not only about travel documents; it is about protecting Somalia’s credibility, safeguarding our youth, and ensuring that those entrusted with authority serve the public interest,” he added.
The Somali government has yet to respond to Artan’s remarks, but his warning has sparked discussions on social media, with many citizens echoing concerns about favoritism, fraud, and exploitation within the system.
Analysts say passport security remains a critical issue for Somalia as it works to rebuild state institutions and strengthen international partnerships. Calls like Artan’s may add further pressure on officials to tighten regulations and restore confidence in one of the country’s most important identity systems.
