(23-08-23) MOGADISHU – Somalia’s Auditor General, Mr. Ahmed Isse Gutale, called an influential press conference on Wednesday in Mogadishu, shedding light on pressing issues concerning the federal state of Puntland.
The prime focus of the conference was the enhancement of the government’s administrative efficiency, rigid compliance with the nation’s laws in contracts between the federal government and overseas corporations, and the execution of the recommendations presented in the 2022 financial year-end audit report.
Mr. Gutale delivered directives to both governmental and non-governmental entities, emphasising the necessity to uphold Somali laws, particularly when it pertains to safeguarding public assets within the Somali community.
He stated, “Non-governmental organisations involved in developmental and humanitarian tasks financed by governmental or donor contributions are answerable to the authorised officer of that body. All funding agreements from governmental agencies, state governments, and governmental business units must be filed with the national auditor general at the federal level, and similarly at the state auditor’s office level.”
A significant disclosure was made by the Auditor General regarding the sale of two military encampments in Mudug region by Puntland. He stated that these camps had been exchanged for nearly 20 million, which also contributed to the construction funding of the Garacad port.
“The funds accrued from the military encampments in Mudug, specifically Kabida and Sinai camps, which Puntland sold, are instrumental in financing Garacad Port,” Mr. Gutale clarified.
Highlighting the importance of this heritage, Mr. Gutale reaffirmed that such assets, being the properties of the central government, signify a shared heritage among the Somali populace. “These camps were central government assets even prior to the federation’s inception, much like the encampments of the Somali National Army,” he further elucidated.
He went on to emphasise, “Assets that presently exist on two governmental levels, passed down from prior administrations, are shared properties among the Somali citizens, with the federal government assuming responsibility.”
These revelations emerge in the wake of Puntland inaugurating the Garacad port along the Mudug coast, an event graced by the attendance of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the federal government of Somalia.
Halqabsi News
