Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman

Former VOA Journalist | Media Consultant | Political & Security Commentator on Somalia & the Horn | Insights on geopolitics, governance & regional dynamics

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

AFRICOM chief rules out US military base in Somaliland https://t.co/YgsKeTn8bS via @Somalia Today

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

Somalia Detains Soldiers After U.S. Flag Video, Reaffirms Partnership with America | Somali Report | Somali Report https://t.co/lKOs12qvFw

[Somalia Today @SomaliaTodayHQ]

Extradition hurdles hit US efforts to bring Abdikerm Eidleh to trial after his arrest in Mogadishu over the Minnesota Covid fraud case, with Somalia lacking a US extradition treaty and clan pressure mounting over any transfer. 🇸🇴🇺🇸 https://t.co/ceILwN2MPL

[Somalia Today @SomaliaTodayHQ]

Somali deputy PM Jibril Haji Abdirashid has denied allegations linked to his recent travel to Kenya, after reports said he was deported from Nairobi over passport and security concerns. 🇸🇴🇰🇪 https://t.co/x23KIdE3eH

[Somalia Today @SomaliaTodayHQ]

US forces have resumed airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, carrying out attacks on five days between June 14 and 19 after a month-long lull, AFRICOM said. 🇺🇸🇸🇴 https://t.co/D8nxMPeHd2

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

Countering Al-Shabaab’s Strategic Pivot: Why Kinetic Strikes Alone Won’t Win in Somalia  https://t.co/6WHFBX6Ic0

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

‘Every few hours, it’s another story’: logistical controversies cast shadow on what should have been a joyous World Cup start | Arab News https://t.co/wFJeObbK50

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

A ridiculous statement by FIFA President!

[The Athletic | Football @TheAthleticFC]

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was due to officiate at the World Cup but has been denied entry to the United States:

“It’s unfortunate what happened to Omar. But again, we don't control everything. We try, we discuss, we see. Maybe it's good to just chill, relax.

“We try to solve everything. Sometimes screaming and shouting has the opposite effect. Don't believe me if you don't want but we always try to find solutions. We are not the kings of the world.”

More from Infantino: https://t.co/q3vx9pMD5u

[Nahuel Lanzón @nahuelzn]

🇸🇴 Nunca vi algo así. En Somalia hoy se llenó un estadio para recibir como héroe nacional a Omar Artan, el árbitro al que Estados Unidos le negó la entrada al Mundial. Increíble.

[Mohamed Harare @HarareMohamed]

Omar Artan has triumphed and returned home. A long and bright future lies ahead of him, and the world will bear witness to it. Those who tried to crush his ambition by unjustly denying him entry to the U.S. have failed, and the shame on them.

Being blocked from refereeing at the 2026 World Cup will remain a dark stain on this tournament.
Today, Omar is more than just a referee; he is a symbol of dignity, resilience, and Somali pride.
A tournament meant to unite the world should never be hosted by a country that shuts its doors to global talent. FIFA has completely failed its own mission.

#OmarArtan #JusticeForOmar #WorldCup2026 #SomaliPride @US2SOMALIA

[Somalia Today @SomaliaTodayHQ]

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome after the US denied him entry for the 2026 World Cup, ending his historic bid to become the first Somali official to referee at football’s biggest tournament. 🇸🇴
👉 https://t.co/otcCUEZL6p

[Mowliid Haji Abdi @MowliidHaji]

This is complete nonsense!

[Larry Madowo @LarryMadowo]

If Africa's top referee is inadmissible in America, who qualifies? Many are calling it racism.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the US "due to vetting concerns" even though he had a 3-month multiple entry visa and was traveling on a diplomatic passport

[Ilhan Omar @IlhanMN]

This is such a shameful decision by the Trump administration. The World Cup is supposed to be an event that transcends divisions and allows people to come together for the love of the sport. Omar Artan might have been denied entry even after being granted a visa but his story and talent will be celebrated long after this racist administration leaves office. Viva Mr. Artan 💙

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

Omar Artan didn’t just make the #FIFAWorldCup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as #Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what. So sorry to see this, Omar. You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that. This won’t be the end of your story on the world stage. The world stands with you as one family, wishing you resilience now and many more major finals to come. Solidarity. #Somalia

[David Eby @Dave_Eby]

Mr. Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he’s overcome and where he is today. Let’s have him referee in Vancouver.

[Ilyas M. Dawaleh @Ilyasdawaleh]

We are all « Omar Abdulkadir Artan ».
It is both unfortunate and disappointing to see Africa’s leading referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, denied entry.
His achievements, professionalism, and contributions to the game speak for themselves.
#Africa deserves to see its best talents respected.

🇺🇸 was always a nation that inspired the world through fairness, opportunity, and respect for merit.

Dhammaanteen waxaan garab taagan nahay #Cumar #Cabdulqaadir #Artaan.
#FIFA #Somalia

[Hillary Clinton @HillaryClinton]

As a World Cup host, the U.S. shouldn't be flippantly barring officials from entering the country to do their jobs.

It's terribly backward.

It's also counterproductive.

Global sports competitions should improve international exchange and relations, not the reverse.

[Mohamed Bashir Abdurahman @Owdiini]

Mogadishu calm after government forces, ex-PM loyalists clash https://t.co/1bApy5qbGF

[Somalia Today @SomaliaTodayHQ]

Clashes erupted near former Somali PM Hassan Ali Khaire’s home in Mogadishu, leaving at least three people dead and raising fears ahead of a planned opposition protest over President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate. https://t.co/CMwg4C3cyU