Friday May 12, 2023
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Credit: VILLA SOMALIA
MOGADISHU-- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday endorsed bills aimed at combating corruption to help enhance transparency and accountability in the management of financial resources in the country.
The bills, which were passed earlier on Thursday by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, focus on combating corruption and enhancing public financial management.
"The president urges an expedient implementation of the directives (bills)," the presidency said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.
According to Mohamud, Somalia is at a consequential moment as the government deepens state-building, security, and economic development efforts.
He said central to achieving success in these endeavors is ensuring government systems are built on the sound principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity based on the country's laws.
"The willful lack of adherence to these directives will result in legal consequences," Mohamud said, noting that these directives reinforce current reforms and introduce additional measures that address the most critical priorities, including the strengthening of procurement and concession processes, public asset management, and the audit framework.
The president said the announced steps seek to increase transparency and accountability through financial disclosures by public officials, enhanced enforcement capacity, and expanded merit-based recruitment.
"Tackling corruption is not only a moral imperative but also a prerequisite for sustainable development and a just and equitable Somalia. We are determined to build transparent and accountable systems that serve the Somali people," Mohamud said, vowing to step up commitment to the immediate implementation of the directives as part of a comprehensive and long-term financial governance strategy that engages the Somali public and its international partners.