Mogadishu (WDN)- A wave of optimism is sweeping across Somalia following the Federal Government’s decisive move to remove Mustafa Ali Dhuxulow as Director General of the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, an institution long dogged by public complaints and allegations of dysfunction.
In his place, the government has appointed Hussein Khaasim Yusuf (Hussein Idow), a seasoned public figure and former Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee. His arrival has been met with widespread approval, with many hailing the decision as a long-overdue turning point for one of the country’s most critical service institutions.
Among the public, the grievances ran even deeper. Citizens seeking basic services described a system riddled with obstacles, where access—from the front gate to the final desk—was allegedly conditioned on informal payments. Revenues from key services, particularly e-visa processing, were widely believed to have been mismanaged, further eroding trust in the institution.
Social media became a battleground of public outrage, with citizens amplifying claims of corruption, favoritism, and administrative decay. “This is the reset people have been waiting for,” one observer noted, reflecting a sentiment echoed across political and civic circles. Known for his administrative experience and energetic leadership style, Idow enters the role with both high expectations and a rare reservoir of public goodwill.
Many Somalis are drawing comparisons to the tenure of Mohamed Aden Jumale (Koofi), widely regarded as the last leader under whom the agency operated with professionalism, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. The government formalized the appointment following a recommendation from the Ministry of Internal Security, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre confirming that the Council of Ministers approved the decision by majority vote.
Now, with fresh leadership in place, expectations are high. For many citizens, this is more than just a personnel change—it is a chance to restore dignity, rebuild trust, and reestablish an institution that serves the public efficiently and fairly.
Whether this moment marks a genuine turnaround remains to be seen. But for now, there is something Somalia has not felt about this agency in a long time: Hope.
WardheerNews
