In an unprecedented revelation, President Hassan Sheikh’s key cabinet members have all been exposed to have claimed non-existent and fraudulent qualifications, with some not at all holding the degrees they claim or not graduating from the universities they purport to have graduated.
In another exposé, MP Dr. Abdillahi Haji Abib, Somalia’s renown corruption fighter has once again written a public letter to President Hassan Sheikh. The letter with the subject line “Critical Analysis: Inconsistencies and Fabrications in Crucial Economic, Financial, Investment Development Institutions Credentials and Qualifications in Somalia” begins with concerns raised by international donors about the qualifications of some critical miniseries, including the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development and Investments, the Governor of the Central Bank of Somalia, and the Chairman of the National Economic Council.
MP Abib then tells the president that “it is imperative to address these issues with urgency and transparency. The leadership within these critical positions must be reevaluated, ensuring that only those with proven expertise, integrity, and a commitment to accurate reporting are entrusted with such responsibilities. Our future depends on restoring credibility and fostering a trustworthy relationship with our international donors.”
By being in direct violation of international standards and protocols, the member of parliament details the impact these unqualified ministers have on Somalia’s Financial Crime Strategies. MP Abib writes to the president, “The leadership’s incompetence and fraudulent practices critically impair Somalia’s capacity to address financial crimes effectively. Robust strategies to combat financial crimes, such as money laundering and corruption, necessitate competent and trustworthy leaders. The current leadership’s deficiencies expose the nation to heightened risks of financial crimes, deter foreign investment, and significantly impede economic development. This governance failure not only hampers the implementation of effective financial crime strategies but also exacerbates the country’s economic instability, further discouraging international support and investment.”
Following it up with the severe consequence these fraudulent qualifications have on the country, he writes, “Mr. President, the implications of these violations are severe. Continued mismanagement and corruption not only threaten the flow of essential international aid but also erode the confidence of the Somali people in their government. It is imperative that immediate and decisive actions are taken to address these issues, restore donor confidence, and reaffirm our commitment to constitutional governance and international standards.”
With the alarming recent reports of nepotism, corruption and misappropriation of funds surrounding Villa Somalia, lately the donors have sent severe warnings to Villa Somalia to make changes immediately or face decisive action. MP Abib warns that donors “may be compelled to reconsider their support.” And if that happens, Abib adds, “This would be a catastrophic setback for our development initiatives and could severely impact the socioeconomic fabric of our country.”
As Radio Daljir has previously exposed, the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Somalia have all been under public probe. However, the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and Investment is also now coming under scrutiny for also not having the qualifications and the experience he claims.
Let us start with the Governor of the Central Bank of Somalia Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. According to MP Abib, “The Governor’s claims regarding his educational background are riddled with inconsistencies and falsehoods, raising significant concerns about his qualifications and integrity. He asserts that he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). However, NTNU does not offer such a degree. They offer degrees in Economics, Management, and Administration, and there is no record of the Governor earning any degree from NTNU in these fields.
Furthermore, the Governor claims to have obtained a Master’s degree (MSc) in Finance and Banking from Liverpool John Moores University. Yet, this university does not offer such a program. Their graduate programs include International Business and Management, Investment and Finance, and an MBA, none of which match the Governor’s claims.”
Similar to recently fired ‘Somaliland Central Bank Governor’ who purchased fake a honorary degree from The UAE and European Digital University for $3,500 (for anyone who purchases $3,500 VIP event ticket), MP Abib writes that recent “Reports indicate that the Governor paid $15,000 to acquire an Honorary Doctorate from dubious institutions like UAE Master Minds Business School, London, Arab Emirates University, and European Digital University. Statements from individuals such as Mr. Williams [Aljazirah Nigeria boss, a Nigeria-based online media outlet], who received an honorary doctorate alongside the Governor, praise these institutions for recognizing their recipients’ worth. However, these degrees are often awarded without merit, serving more as purchased credentials than genuine academic achievements.”
MP Abib continues, “In a similar case, the Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, Mr. Dahir Abdillahi Ali, received an honorary doctorate from the European Digital University. This institution is registered in Delaware and shares an address with a construction material supplier, with no evidence of it engaging in legitimate educational activities or holding accreditation. Such fraudulent behavior by individuals in critical financial roles severely undermines trust in their leadership and the institutions they represent.”
MP Abib then rhetorically asks, “How can Somali people and international donors trust the data and reports submitted by someone who has falsified their qualifications.”
On Governor Abdullahi’s work experience, MP Abib writes, “The Governor’s employment history is equally dubious. He claims titles such as Senior Public Financial Policy Advisor, Controller, and Regional Managing Director at reputable organizations like NORCAP, Dahabshiil Transfer Services, Norwegian Red Cross, and ExportFinans ASA. These positions typically require a Master’s degree in Economics, Public Administration, Finance, or a related discipline, along with at least 10-15 years of progressive experience in relevant fields. Given the questionable nature of the Governor’s degrees and the high standards these positions demand, it is highly likely that he fabricated his CV to secure the Governor position. It is unfortunate that the President extended his tenure for another five years without adequately vetting his educational and professional background.”
And there is Mr. Hassan Hosow, the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) who is also President Hassan Sheikh’s Chief Economic Advisor. Mr. Hosow’s responsibilities as Chairman of NEC include advising the President on economic policy, coordinating economic reforms, and ensuring policy coherence in all governmental departments.
On Hassan Hosow and his qualifications, MP Abib writes that “The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia has intentionally chosen the most incompetent individuals to lead crucial ministries, not only lacking the minimum education and experience required but also failing in leadership and understanding of international donor requirements. The only conclusion one can draw from these appointments is that the criteria for selection are corruption and incompetence.”
And it gets worse for Mr. Hassan Hosow. MP Abib who reached out to the University of Illinois the Chairman of the National Economic Council graduated confirmed to the MP that Mr. Hosow has a Master of Management degree, not a PhD as he claimed.
MP Abib adds, “a Facebook post dated May 13, 2022, which he has since deleted, showed him claiming a PhD. While presenting at the 3rd edition of the Trade for Peace Week at the WTO, he listed himself as a PhD holder. However, according to University of Illinois records, Chairman of the National Economic Council graduated on May 14, 2022, with a Master of Management degree, not a PhD, and not in economics. Another search shows that he has a bachelor’s degree in commerce, again not in economics. It is implausible for someone to obtain three degrees between 2021-22 while working full-time at UNSOM as an economic advisor.”
Another key cabinet member is Minister of Finance Bihi Iman Egeh. Mr. Egeh as Minister of Finance is responsible for national budget formulation, fiscal policy, revenue collection, and financial regulation.
On his education and qualification, Minister Bihi Iman Egeh claims to have graduated from Hargeisa’s New Generation University (NGU). NGU on the university’s official website says it was opened in Hargeisa in 2010 (https://www.nguchc.com/aboutus); however, Minister Egeh claims that he started his Bachelor degree at NGU in 2007 and graduated in 2009.
MP Abib then points out the contradiction by adding that “universities in Somalia and neighboring countries typically have a four-year undergraduate program, making the Minister’s assertion of earning a degree in three years highly dubious and likely fabricated.
On Minister Egeh’s claim of obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), MP Abib calls it “questionable.” He adds that “IPCS, founded in 1996 as an independent think-tank, does not offer such a program. Instead, it focuses on programs like the Nuclear Security Program (NSP), Southeast Asia Research Program (SEARP), China Research Program (CRP), and the Centre for Internal and Regional Security (IReS). This discrepancy highlights a potential fabrication in the Minister’s academic credentials.”
Then there is the “Minister’s purported Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford, St. Antony’s College.” MP Abib digs deeper and writes that “The Minister earned a Diploma in Diplomatic Studies under the Department of Continuing Education, not an Academic Department. This program requires international students to have an accredited undergraduate degree from a recognized university, which New Generation University College is not. Additionally, the requirement to pass an English as a Second Language test, which the Minister likely never took, further discredits his claim.”
And finally there is Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene), Somalia’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and Investment. Minister Beenebeene whose nickname literally translates to “liar-liar” is responsible for economic planning, development policies, investment promotion, and coordination of development projects.
Mr. Beenebeene claims on his resume that he is “an accomplished businessman and politician with over 20 years of global business management, civic leadership, and legislative experience.”
With that stellar claimed life experience, MP Abib reminds the public that Minister Beenebeene is merely 43 years old, and as such, with his claim he “implies he began his career at 23. However, there are significant inconsistencies in his educational and professional background that raise serious doubts about his qualifications.”
MP Abib continues, “The Somali Institute of Management and Administration Development (SIMAD) was established in 1999 when the Minister was 18. He claims to have finished an Associate Degree there, which typically takes two years. He then purportedly earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Excelsior College in Albany, New York – an online, private institution, not a State University of New York. Given Somalia’s limited internet bandwidth in 2001, it is improbable he completed online courses from within Somalia, suggesting he must have moved to the USA to do so. The only science degrees offered online by Excelsior are in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, not aligning with The Minister’s stated qualifications.”
It doesn’t end there, but the Minister further asserts that he “obtained an MBA from the National University of Malaysia (UKM). However, the UKM Registrar has reported that The Minister did not graduate with an MBA from their institution. Assuming he was misspelled, or mis-recorded, completing an MBA typically takes two years, placing him at 26-27 years old upon completion.”
MP Abib then drops a bombshell that “a Current Member of Cabinet Ministers confirmed that the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and Investment did not graduate from the National University of Malaysia (UKM).”
Then there is the claimed “Honorary Doctorate (PhD) in Business Management from Geomatika University College in Malaysia, which is awarded only to exceptional researchers, leaders, and scholars contributing positively to their communities. The University reported that they have no record of the Minister receiving any degree from the university.”
From this alone, MP Abib writes, “Given The Minister’s dubious qualifications and experience, it is highly unlikely he met these criteria.”
On Minister Beenebeene’s business experience, MP Abib writes to the president that “The Minister has allegedly founded and led several business ventures in the US and Malaysia, claiming to be the co-founder and former chairman of the Minnesota Somali Chamber of Commerce. However, records from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office show that this organization was created on March 14, 2019, and it has been inactive since 2020. The listed address is at 1113 E Franklin Ave, Suite 211 A, Minneapolis, MN 55404. Moreover, The Minister’s experience running a personal trucking company does not provide the necessary skills to manage and develop national policies for complex international donor projects in Somalia.”
With all of President Hassan Sheikh’s four key cabinet members claiming fraudulent qualifications, MP Abib gives a piece of advice to the president and writes to him, “Mr. President, I strongly urge a reconsideration of these appointments, ensuring that only the most qualified and experienced individuals are selected for these pivotal roles. Our country’s future hinges on competent leadership in these areas, meeting the expectations and standards necessary to secure the trust and support of our international partners. The stakes are too high to tolerate anything less than excellence, particularly in roles fundamental to our national development and prosperity.
Mr. President, the appointment of individuals with dubious qualifications and fraudulent claims to key economic and financial positions in Somalia undermines the country’s credibility and development efforts. It is imperative to address these issues to ensure that only qualified and honest professionals lead Somalia’s economic and financial institutions. The ongoing fraudulent behavior and lack of accountability not only damage Somalia’s reputation but also jeopardize the trust and support of international donors, which is crucial for the nation’s development.
Mr. President, the qualifications and experience outlined above are essential for ensuring that the leadership of the economic, financial, and investment governance structure of Somalia is competent, capable, and well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Will President Hassan Sheikh heed MP Abib’s advice? Don’t count on him, and as the Somali saying has it, “creation preceded advice.”
Contributed to by Daljir staff members in Garoowe, Mogadishu and Nairobi.
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