(28-09-23)MOGADISHU —
The Banadir Regional Court of Criminal Division issued historic sentences to several government officials on Thursday, marking a turning point in Somalia’s protracted battle against corruption. These officials, who belong to the Ministry of Labour, Finance, Central Bank, and Immigration and Naturalisation Directorate, were charged with corruption, misappropriation of public funds, money laundering, and neglect of duty. The case has garnered widespread public attention from its inception.
According to the court’s Chairman, the following sentences were handed down:
- Abdullahi Mahmoud Cosoble and Omar Macalin Nur Ali each received one-year prison sentences.
- Sabir Hassan Abdi Nur was sentenced to three years and six months.
- Abdirahman Abdikarim Ibrahima received a nine-year term and is now barred from holding public office.
- Abukar Mohamed Ali was given an eight-year sentence and is likewise banned from government employment.
- Mohamed Aden Abdullahi was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Several officials were acquitted:
- Adan Mohamed Abdi had all charges dismissed.
- Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, known as “Sultan,” was acquitted.
- Mohamed Adde Muqtar was found not guilty.
- Abdiwahid Muhsim Ibrahim was released in absentia.
- Abduqadir Abdi Sodal’s freedom was restored by the court.
The court’s judgement has elicited mixed reactions among the Somali public. While some believe the ruling will improve governance, others express scepticism that these sentences alone will deter officials from engaging in corrupt practices. There are also calls for an investigation into higher-ranking officials known for their corruption.
This landmark case is expected to set a precedent for future legal proceedings involving corruption among public officials in Somalia, a nation that has been ranked as the most corrupt in the world on multiple occasions.
Halqabsi News
