Hamza Abdi Barre

Hamza Abdi Barre (, ; born 1972 or 1973) is a Somali politician who has served as the prime minister of Somalia since 2022. He was nominated on 15 June 2022, by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and he was endorsed by parliament on 25 June 2022 (229 in favour, 7 opposed, 1 abstention). Hamza is also a parliamentarian elected to the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia on 28 December 2021, representing the Afmadow constituency of Middle Juba.

Early life and education Hamza was born in Nogob, Somali Region, to the Ogaden branch of the Darod clan.

Hamza completed his primary education in the country, and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Science and Technology in Yemen in 2001. Hamza became a co-founder of Kismayo University. elected exactly one month prior.

Controversies Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who comes from a Muslim background, has sparked several controversies through his comments on Palestine, Israel, and Ukraine.

Hamas support On 2 November 2023, during a public address, Hamza expressed strong support for Hamas, describing the group as a liberating group rather than a terrorist organization. He condemned Western silence on the Gaza crisis and pledged Somalia's federal government backing for Hamas in Gaza.

He used words viewed as antisemitic when describing Jewish people, referring to them as "children of pigs and dogs." Hamza further called for the elimination of Israelis, comparing Jews to the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which has carried out numerous attacks in Somalia.

Russian invasion support

Hamza also weighed in on the Ukraine war, suggesting that Russia's invasion was justified and dismissing Western claims that it was an assault on democracy.

Constitutional crisis in Somalia