Mustafa Mohammed Omer, 45, has been serving in different parts of East Africa office of the United Nations as Humanitarian Liaison Officer in Moqadishu, Zimbabwe, UAE and Kenya. He has been a long term vocal critic of the Ethio Somali’s political and human rights abuses for a long time.
Back in October 2016 he was given an ultimatum by the notorious former president Abdi Illey. The ultimatum was to stop his criticisms against the repression and human rights abuses in the region and instead give praises for the “development” the region has enjoyed under Abdi Illey’s adminstration, unless he didn’t want his family to pay a heavy price. He refused. Ten days later on Oct. 29, 2016, the Somali Liyou Police abducted his 70 years old father and his younger brother, Faysal Omar from their hometown Dhagahabur. They shot Faysal dead in his father’s eyes.
The ruling party in the region, Ethiopia Somali People’s Democratic Party executive and council members together with clan leaders of the region unanimously elected Mustafa Omar to be acting president of the region in deputy president portfolio (As he is not member of the regional council) until elections are held in 2020.
Despite reservations from ONLF and few groups with special interest in the region, Mr. Omar seems to be capable of navigating the longstanding political instability and complex clan dynamics of the region by using his leadership experiences in different capacities in the UN. Mr. Omar is a staunch defender of human rights and a prolific communicator.
