Somalia: Attorney, Auditor Generals questioned in Parliament

MOGADISHU, Somalia Dec 14, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Lawmakers in Somalia’s Federal parliament questioned Attorney and Auditor Generals on the issuance of new orders and accusations by some MPs of meddling on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking in the parliament in advance of parliamentary question-and-answer session, Attorney General Ahmed Ali Dahir said they imposed temporary travel ban on cabinet members after reports of corruption surfaced: “After investigations into the government ministries, we found that misappropriation of public funds became rife in 19 ministries and three agencies”.

Defending the recent joint judicial writ by the offices of Attorney and Auditor Generals, he noted that state institutions are in transition following the ouster of Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed in no confidence vote.

Meanwhile, Auditor General Nur Jim’ale Farah responded to questions regarding his standpoint on the month-long infighting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and outgoing Prime Minister, distancing himself from involvement.

Farah indicated that his office independently audits issues pertaining to revenues and spending of the government agencies.

A letter dated December 6, 2014 barred Ministers, Deputy Ministers and State Ministers from travel until handover.

GAROWE ONLINE