Posted 12/2/2023, 4:27:00 AM
Somali Minister's Use of Swahili Sparks Language Controversy
- Somalia's Information Minister addressed a press conference in Swahili, sparking criticism that he was not using an official Somali language
- Somali has two official languages - Somali and Arabic; the minister was accused of breaking the law by speaking Swahili
- Swahili was historically used in Somali coastal towns before the civil war, but has declined since then
- Supporters of the minister argued Swahili is still native to parts of Somalia like Kismayo and Barawe
- Critics accused the minister of hypocrisy for using Swahili when English, also not an official language, is often used without complaint