Hiiraan Online
Friday August 10, 2018
Deputy Foreign Minister Mukhtar Mahad Daud shown here in this file photo
Mogadishu (HOL) - Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire has suspended Deputy Foreign Minister, Mukhtar Mahad Daud over misuse of public funds, stepping up his fight against corruption amongst his cabinet.
Last week, Police officer stormed the office of Mr. Daud after a court issued an arrest warrant.
The arrest Mr. Daud who is facing alleged corruption scandal in the ministry was suspended after Prime Minister Kheire intervened in the situation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Prime Minister Kheire directed Mr. Daud to step aside, pending the conclusion of investigations into the claims of corruption.
"Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire suspends Deputy Foreign Minister, Mukhtar Mahad Daud, to give enough time the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption against Mr. Daud," the statement reads in part.
Last Saturday, Attorney General Ahmed Ali Dahir accused Mr. Daud of “stealing public funds”.
The deputy foreign Minister was blamed for using the office for personal interest.
Mr. Dahir said that there was a 4-month long investigation into alleged corruption levelled against Mr. Daud.
The government of Somalia has stepped up its fight against corruption in recent days.
The arrest comes just two weeks after police officers arrested the director of Resettlement in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry of Dahir Mohamed Nur over alleged graft.