ADDIS ABABA, September 11, 2026 (Horn News Hub)
By Yusuf Ganey
A campaign seeking to undermine the national consultation process and its outcome in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State has been challenged after questions were raised over the identity and affiliation of an individual cited in material criticizing the process.
The material, attributed to an individual identified as “Mohammed A.” who reportedly presented himself as a lecturer at Jigjiga University and an independent researcher, claimed that the national consultation had concluded without addressing what it described as fundamental constitutional and political questions concerning the Somali Region.
According to information cited in the rebuttal to the claims, however, checks conducted with Jigjiga University found no lecturer or researcher working at the institution under the name “Mohammed A.”
The disputed material reportedly raised issues including Article 39 of Ethiopia’s Constitution, the administrative status of Dire Dawa, the distribution of natural resources and the region’s federal representation. It also questioned whether the Somali population had received meaningful representation during the national consultation.
Those challenging the report described the material as an attempt to portray the Somali Region as facing significant security concerns and its population as being opposed to the federal government. They argued that presenting the views of a limited number of individuals as representing the entire population amounted to misinformation.
Available accounts of the consultation indicate that residents of the Somali Region, elders and representatives of different sections of society participated in the process and presented their concerns and views. Supporters of the consultation have argued that the process is important for advancing sustainable peace, political dialogue and development both in the region and across Ethiopia.
Criticism of the national consultation remains a legitimate part of public debate, but observers have stressed that such criticism should be based on verifiable information and evidence.
The dispute over the alleged identity of the author has consequently raised broader concerns about the use of false identities and unverified information in campaigns concerning political and social developments in the Somali Region.
