MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In a stunning display of hypocrisy, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent statements about combating corruption within his government have come back to haunt him.
Just barely three weeks ago, he denounced corrupt officials as “those having a contagious disease” and called on the people to distance themselves from such individuals. However, it seems that the president himself is unable to adhere to his own words, as he fails to distance himself from his closest allies involved in corrupt practices.
A troubling case has emerged from the Ministry of Finance, where officials are unable to account for a substantial sum of USD 400,000 that was withdrawn from government accounts for President Mohamud’s planned trip to London in May of this year.
The president was slated to attend the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, but due to his failure to travel on time and the fact that United Kingdom’s airspace authorities do not permit direct flights from Somalia, the trip was ultimately canceled.
Despite this, officials at Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, have not returned the funds that were withdrawn from the Central Bank for the purpose of the president’s travel. Instead, a key member of the cabinet and a staunch ally of the president has allegedly taken possession of the funds and refuses to provide an account of their use.
State Minister for Presidency Abshir Ahmed Mohamed, also known as Abshir Bukhaari, is at the center of this controversy.
Despite multiple requests for clarification and accountability from the Ministry of Finance, Abshir Bukhaari has allegedly harassed ministry officials and failed to provide any explanation regarding the funds.
Two officials from the finance ministry and the central bank have confirmed these troubling allegations, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to concerns for their safety.
The matter was brought to the attention of President Mohamud on the eve of his trip to the United States in late June.
However, it appears that no action was taken by the president, who seemingly understands the gravity of the problem.
Another official from the Somali Central Bank corroborated these accounts but was unable to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the matter. This official emphasized the risks involved, as the individual implicated in the case is closely associated with the president.
This scandal comes on the heels of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s decision to dismiss Finance Minister Dr. Elmi Mohamud Nur on Saturday night.
The minister had recently suspended two associates of President Mohamud over corruption allegations and other wrongdoings.
Officials within the finance ministry have repeatedly highlighted instances of the president’s close associates abusing their influence to embezzle and misappropriate funds at the expense of the government.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the accountability of funds allocated to the president’s office.
According to the Appropriation Act for the 2023 Fiscal Budget, the president’s office is set to receive USD 11,329,103 for expenses, including trips and stipends.
However, finance officials assert that there is little to no transparency or accountability surrounding the utilization of these funds.
Despite attempts to seek a comment from Abshir Bukhaari, he did not respond. The president’s communication director, Abdikadir Dige, stated that he could not comment on the matter.
As the allegations continue to cast a shadow over President Mohamud’s administration, the lack of action and accountability further undermines the government’s commitment to tackling corruption within and fostering transparency.