The Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, has on Wednesday voiced concerns about the prevailing unemployment situation in the country. He specifically highlighted the drawbacks of the 4.5 sharing system, which is utilized in power and resource allocation, emphasizing that it perpetuates division and tribalism, leading to unemployment.

During a hand-over event between former Finance Minister Elmi Mohamud Noor and newly appointed Minister Bihi Iman Ige, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a clear and fair employment procedure.

“Every Somali individual should have an equal opportunity to compete for employment. Employment decisions should be based on merit, skills, and knowledge, rather than one’s clan or personal identity. It is crucial to establish a transparent and unbiased employment procedure that ensures fairness for all,” the Prime Minister said.

Regarding the 4.5 sharing system, he underlined that it is not a law or a constitution, but rather an issue that affects the country, intellectuals, and youth.

“The 4.5 sharing system is not a legal framework or a constitution, but rather a deeply concerning reality in our nation. This system breeds a disheartening situation where individuals aspiring to hold esteemed positions like Director General or General Manager often find themselves hopeless, as these roles have already been allocated to their relatives as a share,” he stated.

He added: “Merit-based considerations take a backseat, leading to a pervasive sense of unfairness and limited upward mobility. Consequently, our youth, witnessing this nepotistic environment, may feel compelled to seek opportunities abroad through illegal immigration. It is truly distressing to encounter intellectuals who have dedicated years to education and work, only to contemplate illegal means due to the lack of fair prospects.”

The Prime Minister outlined the ministry’s plans to address these challenges, calling for the Somali people to trust in themselves and their abilities. He expressed the importance of individuals having faith in God, obtaining the necessary certifications, and participating in exams to demonstrate their competence.

“We aspire to reach a progressive point through this ministry. We want intellectuals, and the Somali people to have trust in their own capabilities and instilling faith in God, then present their qualifications, and actively pursue employment opportunities while actively participating in examinations,” he added.

In the midst of the Somali Government’s continuous efforts to combat corruption, the recent statement by the Prime Minister has brought attention to this urgent issue. The government’s campaign has borne results, as 18 high-ranking officials have been implicated in corruption allegations, accused of embezzling a staggering $21 million. The detrimental effects of corruption, coupled with the challenges posed by the 4.5 sharing system, have significantly impacted the prospects of job-seeking graduates in Somalia.