(06-03-23) Mogadishu, Somalia – The Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtar Robow Ali, has sparked controversy by appointing his brother Ibrahim Robow Ali to the Hajj Competition Committee and making him the secretary. The appointment was made official through a decree from the Minister’s office.
This move has raised eyebrows among many Somalis, who are questioning the Minister’s decision to appoint his own family member to such an important committee. The Hajj Competition Committee is responsible for overseeing the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a significant event for Muslims around the world.
Ibrahim Robow Ali was appointed as the NISA Commander in Bakool just months ago, but his appointment was met with criticism from the South West State of Somalia, who accused him of not leaving the militant group Al Shabaab. Al Shabaab has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and many other countries.
Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, also known as Abu Mansur, is a former deputy leader and former spokesman of Al-Shabaab. He defected from the group in 2017 and has since been a vocal critic of the organization.
Many Somalis are concerned that Ibrahim Robow Ali’s past associations with Al Shabaab may compromise his ability to perform his duties as the secretary of the Hajj Competition Committee. The committee’s responsibilities include selecting the best candidates to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage and ensuring that the pilgrimage is carried out in a safe and orderly manner.
Critics of the Minister’s decision have called for Ibrahim Robow Ali’s appointment to be reconsidered, arguing that the Minister’s familial ties to him could create a conflict of interest. They have also raised concerns about the potential security risks posed by someone with Ibrahim Robow Ali’s background holding such a position of authority.
The Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs has not yet commented on the controversy surrounding his brother’s appointment.
