by Ismail D.
Osman
Sunday July 2, 2023
In a
fragile country where corruption has been rampant for decades, Somalia's
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's commitment to fighting this deep-rooted
problem is a bold and much-needed move. Corruption has been a major obstacle to
Somalia's development, hindering economic growth, exacerbating poverty, and
undermining the rule of law. Therefore, the President's vow to ensure that
those responsible for corruption face justice is a significant step towards
creating a more transparent and accountable government.
Somalia
has long been known for its high levels of corruption, with the country
consistently ranking among the most corrupt nations in the world. The problem
has pervaded every aspect of the country's public life, from the highest levels
of government to local administrations, and has been a major impediment to
progress and development. It has led to the diversion of public funds, the
mismanagement of resources, and the undermining of public trust.
President
Mohamud's commitment to fighting corruption is a welcome development. In his
recent Eidul Adha remarks, he pledged to strengthen the country's
anti-corruption institutions and to ensure that they will have the necessary
tools and resources to do their job effectively. He also promised to hold accountable
those who engage in corrupt practices, regardless of their position or
influence.
This
is a bold move, and one that is sorely needed. The President's commitment to
fighting corruption must be matched by concrete actions, including the
prosecution of corrupt officials and the recovery of stolen assets. The
government must also work to create a more transparent and accountable public
sector, with effective oversight mechanisms and strong anti-corruption laws.
It
is also important to note that the fight against corruption is not solely the
responsibility of the government. The private sector, civil society, and the
media all have a critical role to play in exposing and combating corruption.
The President's call to action should be heeded by all Somalis, who must work
together to create a more transparent and accountable society.
Corruption
in Somalia not only hinders the country's development but also gives an
advantage to the terrorist group Al Shabaab. The group has been able to exploit
the corruption in the country to its advantage, the group has been able to
generate revenue by taxing businesses and individuals, exploiting the corrupt
networks that exist within the country. Therefore, the fight against corruption
in Somalia is not only essential for the country's development but also for
countering the terrorist threat posed by Al Shabaab.
President
Mohamud's commitment to fighting corruption in Somalia is a first step to
transparency and much-needed move. Corruption has been a major obstacle to the country's
development, and it is time for a concerted effort to combat this problem. The
President's vow to ensure that those responsible for corruption face justice is
a significant step towards creating a more transparent and accountable
government. However, this commitment must be matched by concrete actions and
the support of all Somalis. Together, we can create a more just and prosperous
Somalia.
Ismail D.
Osman: Former Deputy Director of Somalia
National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) . You can
reach him [email protected] @osmando