Mogadishu (HOiM) — Somalia’s National Olympic Committee on Wednesday accused the country’s sports minister of attempting to disrupt its work and interfere in the administration of national sports, deepening a public rift between two institutions.
In a statement, the committee alleged that the minister had organized what it described as “fake contacts” aimed at undermining the Olympic body’s operations and attempting to take control of its headquarters in Mogadishu. The committee said it is the legally recognized authority responsible for managing and representing Somali sports internationally.
The Sports Ministry did not immediately respond to the accusations.
The dispute comes at a sensitive time for Somalia’s sports sector, which has struggled for decades with insecurity, underfunding and political interference. The National Olympic Committee is affiliated with international sporting bodies and plays a central role in coordinating Somalia’s participation in regional and global competitions.
In its statement, the committee accused the minister’s administration of failing to provide adequate policy direction and financial support for sports development. It further claimed that stadiums intended for youth competitions and training had been closed, hindering grassroots athletic programs.
The committee also alleged that the minister had sent communications to international sports organizations that it said tarnished Somalia’s national identity and reputation. It did not provide details about the content of those letters.
The Olympic body warned that continued interference could result in parallel institutions emerging, a scenario it said would damage the credibility and unity of Somali sports governance.
“We call on national leaders to urgently address this matter to prevent the fragmentation of independent institutions,” the statement said.
Tensions between the ministry and the Olympic committee have been simmering in recent months over the management of sports activities and administrative authority. Disputes between government officials and national sports bodies are not uncommon in countries where institutional boundaries remain fluid and political competition often spills into civil sectors.