MOGADISHU, Somalia – Shabelle Media Network’s ongoing investigation has brought to light serious misconduct involving Somali Member of Parliament Abdullahi Hashi Abib, who is currently based in the United States in an apparent attempt to evade both parliamentary scrutiny and accountability to the Somali public.
Multiple sources, whose identities are being protected due to the sensitive nature of the case, have confirmed that Abib fled the country after launching what many see as deliberate attacks on Somalia’s key institutions. Legal experts describe his conduct as potentially criminal and subject to prosecution.
“It’s not just ironic; it’s disgraceful that someone who claims to be a lawmaker is now running from the law,” said a sitting member of the Federal Parliament. “He was never a lawmaker in spirit or action. He is, without question, a lawbreaker.”
The uproar around Abdullahi Abib began when he aggressively pushed to be appointed Minister of Finance after the current federal government was formed. Political figures from the Awdal region, which is also the home of former Finance Minister Dr Abdirahman Dualeh Beileh, say Abib demanded the role simply because he had taken over Beileh’s parliamentary seat, as if ministerial positions were handed down like “inheritance”.
“It’s baffling that someone who claims to understand how government works would think a particular cabinet post is automatically his just because he filled the parliamentary seat of a former minister,” said an MP from Awdal. “He’s made a spectacle of himself and dragged our region’s name through the mud and created unnecessary animosity. Instead of being considered a people of intellect and dignity, we’re now painted as selfish and power-hungry because of his unbecoming behaviour.”
Shabelle Media Network has uncovered that Abib does not possess the academic qualifications he publicly claims. While he asserts he holds a doctorate, the only verified degree in his name is a Master of Applied Science from the University of Windsor, focused on robotics engineering. There is no evidence supporting any formal education in finance, undermining his long-standing claims of “expertise in the field”.
“If there is one individual in this parliament who consistently misleads the public while concealing the truth about himself, it is Abib,” said a well-known lawyer who also serves in Somalia’s Upper House. “People may not always speak out, but they are well aware of his deceptions.”
A senior figure from Somalia’s international partners confirmed to Shabelle Media Network that Abib has been largely ostracised by the diplomatic community. His emails and messages on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) are reportedly blocked by several foreign missions and agencies. “We have blocked his communications because his claims are baseless and driven purely by political spite,” the source said. “He is attempting to stir chaos for selfish gain and a malicious vendetta and we refuse to be a conduit for his deceitful agenda.”
Forensic investigators shared findings with Shabelle Media revealing that Abib has circulated forged documents and manufactured accusations, including claims of sexual misconduct and nepotism. Legal analysts believe these acts could qualify as criminal offences under both Somali and international law.
“Having failed to substantiate any of his allegations, Abib has resorted to outright fabrications, including falsely attributing personal details to individuals in a desperate attempt to manufacture evidence,” said one investigator. “His actions reflect a calculated bid to cling to political relevance while evading both legal and institutional accountability. He has abandoned his parliamentary duties for over two years. The real question is, who is holding this unaccountable individual to task?”
Shabelle Media Network will keep digging and reporting as more people step forward to hold to account those who are supposed to serve the public with honesty and respect for the Constitution. Protecting our sources is crucial as it’s the only way the truth can come out and those abusing their position can be exposed.
