Sunatimes.com - Boundless enthusiasm greeted the election of Somali president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, on February 8 by the world's poorest people hoping that he will overcome the country's deteriorating general security, the weak economy, and the crippled public services.

But that hope was washed away immediately after the nomination of new Prime Minister that failed the nation and spent much of his time on a political showoff and self-appreciating propaganda.

The political novice premier, Hassan Ali Khaire,  served as a representative for a Norwegian aid agency in Somalia before making such a political high jump. He never had any government job in Somalia or any local experience. 

Even in his field of non-governmental work, he didn't acquire trust, because of his track record of dishonesty large number of people from the internally displaced people accused Khaire of using donor funds to familiarise himself with politicians instead of donating to the needy population.

Another shortcoming of the PM is said to be his false promises at public rallies mainly participated by his Murusade subclan members.

The president who is believed to have a learning disability during childhood and known for his poorly worded speeches opted for a premier that will not challenge his shortcoming instead of selecting a person who could be more helpful politically. 

"This is why Farmaajo selected an incapable Prime Minister that can't serve the nation adequately," said Yahya Abdi Liban, a University student in Mogadishu.

"Our president was looking for someone who would remain under his shadow; a political momentum lost because of Khaire's nomination," he added. 

Hope is fading for many Somalis, and the idea of defeating the terrorist organization that is fighting to overthrow the government is out of expectation in the foreseeable future.   

The terror group which has links to Al qaeda took over a military camp in Barrire village of southern Lower Shabelle region recently and carried out a suicide attack that killed 358 in Mogadishu on October 14.

The lorry mounted suicide attack also wounded more than 200 people. 

"Khaire failed to act against security officials that didn't fulfill their responsibility of defending the people of Mogadishu," Amina Haji Hassan who lost family members in Mogadishu blast said.

"The PM is in favor of his friends than to act on the behave of the hundreds massacred by terrorists," lamented Amina.  

She further said, "Khaire is a setback to the advancement of the Somali government, he is just a new stumbling block."

Federal-State Presidents shunned the Somali PM for immature political exercises, and he is not allowed to visit any part of the country cities outside Mogadishu. 

According to an official in the office of Khaire, he might be able to visit Jowhar town, 90 kilometers north of the capital. 

In general, the political misconduct of the premier is undermining the efforts to fight against terror and may create renewed violence, political observers said.

 

Mohamed Bashiir

Mogadishu, Somalia