Kenya-based Somali analyst and think tank founder Rashid Abdi sparked controversy on social media after publishing a harsh post on platform X, targeting Somalia’s former Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama. Abdi described Jama as “Somalia’s most inept and sleaziest minister,” claiming that his only asset was a limited command of Turkish, which helped maintain ties with Ankara. On all other fronts, Abdi alleged, Jama was ineffective and deeply damaging.

Despite the criticism, Jama’s tenure as Defense Minister is widely viewed as a turning point in Somalia’s regional strategy. During his time in office, Somalia responded to growing military and diplomatic threats from Ethiopia by signing a landmark defense and cooperation agreement with Turkey under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The deal led to the deployment of Turkish naval forces to Somali waters, enhancing the country’s maritime security.

This strategic alliance was seen as a bold, game-changing move that directly countered Ethiopia’s controversial memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Many observers argue that Jama played a key role in facilitating this shift in regional power dynamics, positioning Somalia more firmly within the sphere of Turkish support and influence.