(10-10-23) MOGADISHU — In a report released on Tuesday, Somalia’s National Auditor General, Avv. Ahmed Gutale identified 18 former officials from various departments who are allegedly holding onto government vehicles. The officials come from a range of offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, multiple ministries, management bodies, and the Independent Election Commission.
The revelation came as part of an extensive investigation into missing government assets, with a specific focus on vehicles. “These vehicles are government property and must be returned to their originating organisations,” the report stated.
Officials named have been given a 15-day window, running from Oct. 10 to Oct. 25, 2023, to return the vehicles. “Failure to do so will result in the Auditor’s office taking the next legal steps,” warned a press release from Gutale’s office.
Upon the return of the vehicles, government agencies have been instructed to register each one under their respective names and to share this information with the Auditor General’s Office. “We hope you will respect the return period responsibly,” said the concluding remarks of the report, thereby emphasising the government’s dedication to transparency and due process.
This latest investigation is in line with the Auditor General’s ongoing commitment to eradicating corruption and enhancing efficiency within Somalia’s federal agencies.
The report marks a significant development in Somalia’s ongoing battle against corruption, adding urgency as the 15-day deadline approaches. The nation now waits in anticipation to see whether the named officials will comply.
Halqabsi News
