Somalia: PM suspends deputy minister over fraud claims

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire has on Thursday suspended the deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mukhtar Mahad Da'ud over graft allegations, Garowe Online reports.

According to a statement released by the office of the PM, Daud has been suspected days after the country's Attorney General, Ahmed Ali Dahir accused him of corruption and "stealing Public funds."

Meanwhile, Benadir regional court was reported to have issued an arrest warrant for the suspended deputy foreign minister to face graft charges levelled against him.

Somali Police raided the office of the deputy Minister this week, acting on the order of the Attorney General, but, the attempt failed after PM Khaire has intervened in the case while he was in Garowe, the capital of Puntland.

Dahir said there has been an investigation into the fraud case in the past few months, blaming Da'ud for using the office for personal interest and embezzlement.

Last Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong-worded statement to deny the accusation against Da'ud and terming it as “a charge far from the truth and slander”.

Yesterday, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Mohamed Omar has announced his resignation, citing lack of cooperation in the Ministry.

His decision came after the security forces have arrested the Director of IDPs resettlement department at Ministry, Dahir Mohamud Nur for claims of stealing $84,000 in public funds.

Somalia has held the title of being the world's most corrupt country for the past decades. Authorities say they are tackling the scams that tarnished the image of the country and led to recent international funding cuts.

GAROWE ONLINE