(08-07-23) MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Finance Minister, Dr Ilmi Mohamud Noor, on Friday, reversed the suspension of two high-ranking officials just a day after suspending them over corruption allegations. This decision follows intense pressure from the president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and has raised questions about the president’s commitment to combating corruption.
Dr Nur initially suspended on Thursday, the Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance, Mohamed Abdirahman Anas, and the Director of Revenue, Faisal Mohamed Hashi, for allegedly obstructing government expenditure management via the Somali Financial Management Information System (SFMIS) and other corrupt activities. The minister’s decision, which was met with widespread public approval, was seen as a bold stand against the rampant corruption plaguing the country.
However, following a meeting at Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, Dr Nur rescinded his decision. The president reportedly gave the finance minister an ultimatum: rescind the decision or resign. Consequently, both officials have returned to work. This move has cast a shadow over President Mohamud’s anti-corruption stance and left observers questioning the integrity of his leadership.
Commenting on the development, Dr Ismail Omar, Professor of Political Science at Somalia University, stated, “This move potentially undermines the trust the international community has placed in the Somali government’s commitment to combating corruption. It will be interesting to see how the IMF and the World Bank respond to this change in tide.”
The dismissal and reinstatement of the two officials come amidst an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General, Sulayman Mohamed Mohamoud. The Attorney General has identified 18 high-ranking officials, both current and former, accused of corruption. The officials are connected to a scandal involving approximately $21 million missing from government coffers.
Dr Nur has clarified that the reversal of the dismissal does not absolve the two officials of their charges. The officials have yet to comment on these accusations, which include disabling the SFMIS system, halting timely payments, blocking salary disbursements, and taking a holiday abroad without permission.
President Mohamud, who dissolved two anti-corruption bodies last year after his election, now finds himself at the centre of a controversy. His decision to back the implicated officials raises questions about his true commitment to fighting corruption.
Dr Nur’s initial decision was a step forward in Somalia’s fight against corruption. However, the president’s intervention could be seen as a significant step back, casting a long shadow on the path towards greater transparency and integrity. As this drama continues to unfold, the Somali public and the international community will closely monitor the actions of President Mohamud and his government.
