(02-07-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – More than $20 million is missing from the Somali government’s treasury, according to a shocking revelation by Auditor General Ahmed Isse Gutale.
In a press conference today, Gutale disclosed the findings of an investigation into the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Immigration and Citizenship Agency, which revealed widespread corruption and fraud.
The investigation focused on the offices responsible for issuing work permits and visa extensions to foreign nationals. Gutale said that these offices collected a total of $33,370,260 between March 8, 2018, and April 19, 2023, but only $12,437,690 was deposited into the government’s treasury. This leaves a staggering $20,932,570 unaccounted for.
Gutale described the missing funds as a significant loss to the government’s revenue, contributing to a financial crisis that has forced the government to borrow money to pay salaries for soldiers, civil servants and members of parliament.
The auditor general’s findings have raised serious concerns about the extent of corruption within the Somali government and the lack of accountability for public funds. The case has been referred to the Office of the Prosecutor General for further investigation.
Halqabsi News
Watch the press conference
