Amanze Chinonye
Somalia assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, placing its Permanent Representative, Abukar Dahir Osman, in charge of guiding the council’s agenda for the month.
While the move marks a diplomatic milestone for Somalia, it comes amid renewed scrutiny of Osman’s personal and professional history, both in the United States and in relation to historical events in Somalia.
The Republic of Somaliland, via its official X account, has claimed that Osman entered the United States in 1986 as a refugee, asserting persecution under Somalia’s former military leader, Siad Barre, and identifying as a member of the Isaaq clan.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe claim has drawn attention because Osman, in a UN Security Council meeting on December 29, 2025, reportedly rejected allegations that genocide was committed against the Isaaq during Barre’s regime. Somaliland officials have described this as inconsistent with the asylum narrative they allege Osman used to obtain U.S. refugee status.
There is no independent verification of Somaliland’s claim, and Osman has not publicly responded.
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Further scrutiny surrounds Osman’s involvement in the United States healthcare sector. Corporate records from the Ohio Secretary of State indicate that he was listed as statutory agent for Progressive Health Care Services Inc., a home healthcare company, on October 22, 2018 more than a year after he became Somalia’s UN ambassador in June 2017.
Publicly available employment records suggest Osman also served as Managing Director of the company from 2014 until May 2019, overlapping with his diplomatic tenure. The company operated in the Medicaid-funded home healthcare industry, a sector closely monitored by federal regulators for compliance and fraud risk.
While federal investigations in the sector such as a large-scale fraud case in Minnesota have highlighted vulnerabilities, there is no evidence Osman has faced criminal charges or convictions, nor has any court ruled against him.
Observers say the attention is amplified by the timing of Somalia’s Security Council presidency, a role that involves setting agendas, chairing meetings, and representing the council in dealings with the broader UN membership.
The United Nations maintains an ethics framework for senior officials, but oversight of permanent representatives relies primarily on disclosures made by member states, not UN enforcement mechanisms.
Osman’s dual scrutiny from alleged historical asylum claims and past U.S. business affiliations underscores ongoing debates over diplomatic accountability when leaders enter international roles after private-sector careers in regulated fields.
Requests for comment sent to Osman and Somalia’s UN mission had not been answered at the time of publication. Somaliland officials indicate they will continue to press their assertions in international fora.
As Somalia leads the council’s deliberations this month, diplomats and observers will be watching both the Security Council’s decisions and the broader questions about the backgrounds of those guiding global policy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
