Senator accuses foreign companies of illegal exploitation of natural resources in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - An opposition Senator in Somalia has accused foreign companies and the federal government of illegal exploitation of natural resources in Somalia, arguing that citizens do not benefit from the rich minerals which the country enjoys, despite existing laws.

Without naming the foreign companies in question, Senator IIyas Ali Hassan, a member of Himilo Qaran party, who also doubles as Senate Natural Resources Committee, said some firms have been colluding with government agencies to defraud innocent people of their natural resources.

According to the vocal senator, exploitation has been on an upward trajectory, something which could further impoverish the country, which is struggling to contain ballooning external debts despite being rich in minerals compared with other neighboring countries.

"The increasingly illegal exploitation of our natural resources by the foreign govt's and firms is unacceptable," Senator Hassan said in a tweet, which could trigger fresh differences between the federal government of Somalia and opposition bigwigs in the Horn of Africa nation.

Senator IIyas Ali Hassan now calls all relevant agencies to investigate the activities by instigating both national and international probes, solely to hold all culprits accountable. His committee had previously tabled a report citing the alleged exploitations.

"I ask all the pertinent institutions to investigate these activities and pursue national and international legal options available to hold all involved accountable," he added while directing his fury to the government, which has the sole mandate of protecting the country's resources.

Early this year, President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo signed the controversial Petroleum Law, eliciting sharp reactions from the federal states. Both Puntland and Jubaland legislators walked out of the chambers when the law was passed, accusing the government of "failure to consult".

Already, Somalia has auctioned oil deposits to Shell and ExxonMobil, with the two companies making bids for around five oil deposits. Federal states called for dialogue before the auctioning and the quest featured in Dhusamareb where they were meeting over issues affecting the country.

Besides the thorny electoral model, the leaders also agreed to strengthen unity by ensuring close cooperation between FGS and FMS. Further, they said, terrorism and development would be among key agendas as they strive to strengthen the country's weak institutions.

"They agreed to strengthen unity and solidarity for the citizens and the federal republic of Somalia besides enhancing FGS-FMS cooperation to sustain stability and fight terrorism. Also, they'll boost economic development efforts to intensify the debt relief process in Somalia," Abdinur Mohamed said.

It is through this development cooperation that the two parties are optimistic about solving the distribution of resources crisis in Somalia. The federal states have been calling for a friendly formula that gives them more resources for grassroots development.

Somalia is also embroiled in an Indian Ocean maritime dispute with Kenya, which involves large swathes of coastline that is rich in minerals. The two nations will return to the International Court of Justice in March 2021 where an amicable solution over the border will be reached.

GAROWE ONLINE