By Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Since assuming office in May 2022, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has embarked on an extensive diplomatic tour, making over 100 visits to various nations.
While some view this as an effort to bolster Somalia’s global standing and strengthen bilateral relations, others argue that his frequent travels raise concerns about governance, delegation of duties, and national priorities.
This raises a crucial question: Is Hassan Sheikh Mohamud a visionary leader navigating Somalia through diplomatic complexities, or merely a hodophile—one excessively fond of travel?
The Diplomatic Itinerary: Strategy or Spectacle?
Among the countries he has frequently visited, Kenya, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stand out. His repeated trips to these nations have been met with scrutiny, especially considering Somalia’s pressing domestic challenges.
Security threats, economic instability, and political fragmentation continue to define Somalia’s landscape. Critics argue that his global engagements divert attention from pressing internal issues, particularly the fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that these visits are vital for securing foreign aid, investment, and military assistance. They point to the importance of Somalia’s strategic alliances with these nations, particularly in security cooperation, trade agreements, and infrastructure development.
However, skepticism remains as to whether these diplomatic missions yield tangible results that justify such extensive travel.
The Prime Minister’s Role: A Vote of No Confidence?
President Mohamud’s travel patterns have also ignited debates about the effectiveness of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and other key government officials.
In most parliamentary systems, the prime minister plays a crucial role in managing day-to-day governance, ensuring that national affairs remain uninterrupted even in the absence of the head of state. However, the president’s frequent presence abroad raises questions about his confidence in Barre’s leadership.
Critics suggest that Hassan Sheikh’s extensive involvement in diplomatic affairs may indicate his lack of trust in his prime minister and cabinet members to execute key responsibilities.
If true, this highlights a deeper issue of governance—one where central authority is overly concentrated in the president’s hands, limiting the capacity of other officials to function independently.
Opposition’s Stance: Personal Gains Over National Interests?
Somalia’s opposition parties have been vocal about their concerns regarding the president’s travels. They argue that these visits serve personal interests rather than addressing national issues, particularly the eradication of terrorism.
Given the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, many believe the president should focus more on internal security strategies rather than seeking diplomatic engagements abroad.
Furthermore, critics accuse Mohamud of prioritizing personal relationships with foreign leaders over institutional state-building.
While diplomacy is crucial for a nation like Somalia, which relies on international support for security and development, its success should be measured by tangible improvements at home. As of now, Somalia remains plagued by security concerns, economic hardship, and governance challenges—issues that demand strong internal leadership.
A Balancing Act for a Fragile Nation: Leadership or Wanderlust?
Ultimately, the debate over Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s frequent travels boils down to governance balance. While international diplomacy remains crucial for a country like Somalia, effective leadership requires a strong domestic presence.
Delegation of responsibilities to competent officials is essential for stability and progress. If the president continues his extensive travels, the administration must ensure that Somalia’s leadership remains functional in his absence.
Somalia’s future hinges on a government that can effectively tackle internal crises while maintaining beneficial global partnerships.
Whether Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s diplomatic ventures are a strategic necessity or an indulgent pursuit remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: leadership is defined by impact, not miles traveled.
The Writer is Abdirahman Jeylani Mohamed, a foreign policy journalist and communications specialist, based in Mogadishu Somalia | @JaylaaniJr (X formally Twitter).
