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The Ministry of Youths and Sports of Somalia has suspended Khadijo Aden Dahir, the chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation after a video showing a runner who finished past the qualifying standards for the 100M race during an international competition.

In a statement shared via the ministry’s official X account (formerly Twitter), the ministry acknowledged Khadijo’s suspension on grounds of nepotism.

The ministry led by Mohammed Barrre Mohamud noted that it had conducted investigations and discovered that the runner identified as Nasra Abukar Ali was not identified as a sportsperson nor a runner.

Mohamud also noted that preliminary investigations had disclosed that the Somali University Sports Association was non-existent.

“Ms. Khadijo Aden Dahir, the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, has engaged in acts of abuse of power, nepotism, and defaming the name of the nation in the international arena.

“Furthermore, the Ministry of Youth and Sports firmly declares its intention to pursue legal action against both the chairman of the Athletics Federation of Somalia and individuals responsible for the justification of the Somali University Sports Association,” the statement added.

Suspension of the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation, Ms. Khadijo Aden Dahir pic.twitter.com/UZsO0A4UiA

— Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia (@MoysFGS) August 2, 2023

What happened

In the video that went viral on social media platforms on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Nasra was last to complete the 31st Summer World University Games 100-metre race held in Chengdu, China after she clocked out at about 21 seconds when the winner clocked out at 11.4 seconds.

Normally, the qualifying standard for the 100m race is 11.15 seconds.

Netizens criticized the athlete after the clip first shared by one X user identified as Elham Garaad, showcased Nasra struggling to prepare for the race like other athletes.

She also seemed to run slowly and jump in between the race as others paced themselves for the finish line.

A section of social media users quickly called out the Somali government for ‘incompetence’ and ’embarrassing’ them internationally.

Quarters wondered why the Somali government would select an underqualified and underprepared athlete to compete in the race when there were other great runners in the country.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down. It’s disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It’s truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally,” the video caption read in parts.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports should step down. It’s disheartening to witness such an incompetent government. How could they select an untrained girl to represent Somalia in running? It’s truly shocking and reflects poorly on our country internationally. pic.twitter.com/vMkBUA5JSL

— Elham Garaad ✍︎ (@EGaraad_) August 1, 2023

While many attached Nasra’s performance to her capabilities, others attached her poor performance to nepotism.

They claimed that Nasra’s inclusion in the race was because she was the niece of Somali Athletics President Abdullahi Ahmed Tarabi.

“That’s the niece of the President of the Somali Athletics Federation. What you expecting? Nepotism; we have good athletes in Somalia but when it comes to (money emojis) is a different story. (SIC)”one X user wrote