Somalia President on receiving end for rebuking struggling youths

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been accused of 'mocking' the youth despite their genuine concerns over the economic downturn, following his latest condescending remarks in a mosque.

In his speech, Hassan Sheikh criticized Somali youth protesting economic hardships in Mogadishu, sparking strong reactions from members of the public, who have periodically accused him of incompetence and lack of zeal in the revival of the economy.

Speaking from a mosque in Villa Somalia, he described the protesters as those ‘who relied on handouts and raised funds for terrorists.’ Many have condemned these comments, calling them unfortunate and dismissive.

Former Prime Minister Ali Hassan Khaire wonders why the president would fail to inspire the youth and instead resort to demeaning their economic fortunes, which have significantly dwindled in the recent past.

"The youth are not mere guests in Somalia; they are the rightful heirs and future leaders of the nation. Instead of the government instilling hope and generating job opportunities for them, as they have openly discussed their plight and joblessness," he said.

"It is disheartening that President Hassan Sheikh labeled them as individuals who gather funds for terrorism, and receive money for propaganda," added Ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire.

On his part, former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed accused Hassan Sheikh, the current president of giving the youth a not-so-subtle nudge to pack their bags and leave the country after his Villa Somalia mosque Friday speech, which didn't sit well with the young folks in Mogadishu, as it seemed to dismiss their concerns and rage over economic hardships in Somalia.

Some lawmakers have called for youth-led protests. Across Kenya, thousands of youths stormer streets a month ago, accusing the country's president William Ruto of failing to turn around the the dwindling economic fortunes.

With dozens killed during the violent protests, Ruto was forced to disband his cabinet and discard the contentious Finance Bill besides reducing public expenditure. Ruto also gave room for dialogue with the impatient young people, who called him a 'serial liar'.

GAROWE ONLINE