MOGADISHU — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has officially opened the annual marathon short-distance running competition in Mogadishu, marking the conclusion of Sports and Peace Development Week.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, drew hundreds of young athletes from across the country.
300 Athletes Participate in Open Competition
Dr. Khadiija Mohamed Dahir, Chairperson of the Somali Athletics Federation, provided details about the competition.
“The marathon running competition is an open race, and 300 young people from various regions of the country are participating,” Dr. Khadiija said.
Participants shared their preparations and hopes for the competition ahead of the races.
Promoting Peace Through Sports
The primary objective of the competition is to conclude the activities of Sports and Peace Development Week, an initiative aimed at using athletics to foster unity and stability among Somali youth.
The event represents the government’s ongoing commitment to engaging young people through sports and providing platforms for healthy competition and personal development.
Somalia’s Growing Sports Diplomacy
The marathon competition follows a series of recent achievements in Somali sports on the international stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently congratulated referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after he became the first Somali referee selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
“This valuable achievement elevates the reputation of Somalia, and at the same time demonstrates the capability and talent of the Somali youth who aspire to represent their country in the international arena,” the president said at the time.
Artan’s selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — marked a groundbreaking moment for Somali football. He was among seven African referees chosen for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and a record 104 matches.
Investing in Youth Development
The Federal Government has made youth development a key priority, with Prime Minister Barre previously announcing that the government has recruited and deployed thousands of trained teachers across the country, with salaries funded entirely through domestic national revenues.
Higher education records now show nearly 250,000 graduates and 200,000 current students enrolled across Somali institutions, according to government figures.
The marathon event underscores the administration’s broader strategy of investing in young people as drivers of national development and peacebuilding. Officials have emphasized that sports programs provide constructive pathways for youth engagement while promoting health, discipline, and community cohesion.
Commitment to Sports Development
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has expressed commitment to expanding athletic programs across federal member states, aiming to identify and nurture talent from all regions of Somalia.
The successful conclusion of Sports and Peace Development Week demonstrates the government’s dedication to using sports as a tool for social cohesion and national unity.
