Horn Current | Opinion
The people of the Somali Region woke up to a disgraceful spectacle: President Mustafa Muhumed Omer receiving the SWA Special Award for “honesty and dedication.” But honesty cannot be bought, and leadership is not measured in staged ceremonies.
In just the past eight months, 235 innocent civilians have been killed under Mustafa’s orders in Dacawaley, Waydkaal, Dhanaan, Galalshe, Cobasha, and beyond. On the Somali–Oromo border—Wachille, Arero, Dhaas—blood has been spilled between communities because of his failed policies.
Yet, instead of accountability, Mustafa rewards himself. Reports reveal that he paid 20 million birr of public funds to secure this “award.” That money was meant for schools, clinics, and food security—not for fake trophies.
His legacy is written not in gold but in blood, corruption, and betrayal. Through his brother Mohamed Cagjar, he has allegedly laundered money and siphoned off public wealth while the region sinks deeper into poverty.
To call Mustafa Omar a “good leader” is an insult to the 235 souls whose lives were cut short. It is an insult to the mothers of Dhanaan, the children of Cobasha, and the displaced families of Borana.
Awards can be purchased. But the truth cannot be erased.
