Somali Federalist Party accuses officials of corruption, demands accountability for missing funds

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Tuesday March 4, 2025

An aerial view of Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali region

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Federalist Party has accused regional officials of widespread corruption and financial mismanagement, warning that persistent graft and failed projects are worsening living conditions in Ethiopia’s Somali region. The party called for immediate government intervention to recover misused funds and hold those responsible accountable.

In a statement obtained by Addis Standard, the party alleged that millions of birr allocated for development projects have been either misappropriated or remain unaccounted for. It pointed to systemic corruption involving high-ranking leaders, finance officers, and bureau heads, citing irregularities such as inflated costs, non-competitive contract awards, and outright embezzlement. The party warned that these issues have stalled infrastructure development, depriving residents of essential services.

Among the most glaring cases, the party highlighted a 520-million-birr water project in Kebri Dehar that remains unimplemented despite full funding. Additionally, it claimed that funds allocated for the Jigjiga city administration building have disappeared, while the 1.36-billion-birr second phase of Jigjiga’s water supply project—planned between 2017 and 2025—remains unfinished. As a result, residents continue to rely on private vendors charging up to 150 birr per barrel of water.

The party also accused contractors of receiving full payments for road projects in the Shinile, Korahe, and Jarar zones without completing construction. In Qubi district, it alleged that a bridge project was abandoned after payments were made, leaving it vulnerable to flood damage. The statement added that local residents were ultimately forced to rebuild the bridge using their own resources.

Additionally, the party condemned what it called rampant land mismanagement in Jigjiga, where public land designated for schools, hospitals, and government offices has allegedly been illegally acquired and privatized.

The Somali Federalist Party warned that corruption and mismanagement will continue to cripple governance and development unless decisive action is taken. The party also called on federal institutions to conduct independent audits and introduce stronger anti-corruption mechanisms to restore public trust.

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