MOGADISHU, Somalia - A damming report from the Auditor General reveals that Somalia may have lost over $21 million within the last five years, with evidence showing that the money was not deposited in Treasury accounts from March 2018 to April 2023.

The report, whose aim is to expose massive levels of corruption within the government, will give the administration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud some impetus to bring to books individuals believed to be perpetuating impunity within the government.

According to the Auditor General’s office, the federal government has undertaken several measures to combat corruption and so far, 22 officers have been charged with 11 of them convicted.

Among those arrested, the government indicates, 15 officers work with the Immigration Department and National Administration agency (responsible for registration of persons) while three are domiciled in the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank. The remaining work is in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

“We have taken decisive action to hold accountable those who have abused their positions of trust,” the Attorney General’s office stated.

These investigations, officials said, started sometime in March 2018 and the conclusion was made in April 2023, paving the way for arrests and prosecution of the officers involved. Fictitious activities in financial transactions necessitated the investigations.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has initiated a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, with the public courts empowered to try suspects of corruption. The government is working hard to restore honour and sanity to public institutions across the country, officials added.

GAROWE ONLINE