Thursday March 27, 2025

Jigjiga (HOL) — The President of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, Mustafa Muhumed Omar (Cagjar), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding government services following accusations by the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) of underperformance.

Responding to the criticism, President Cagjar stated that the government’s accountability is measured based on its capacity and available budget, rather than solely on meeting the region’s vast development needs.

“The needs of the people of the region are many, and the government has never claimed it can meet all of them. We respond to what is feasible given our capacity,” said Cagjar.

He added that councils responsible for assessing government performance are consistently updated on the government’s plans and the challenges it faces.

“It reflects the impatience and intolerance of those spreading slander — people who, if they were in power, would likely silence anyone with differing opinions,” Cagjar remarked.

The ONLF leadership recently intensified its criticism of President Cagjar, accusing him of failing to deliver meaningful progress during his tenure.

The ONLF and the current administration remain at odds politically, especially as the Somali Region heads toward upcoming elections.