Somalia's finance minister rejects AG summonses

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Outgoing Finance Minister Abdirahman Beileh has rejected summonses issued by the Attorney General for overspending in the federal republic of Somalia, in what could trigger a heated debate on accountability within the country which is struggling economically.

Last week, the Attorney General's office summoned Abdirahman Beileh over graft allegations within the government, triggering debate over the massive wastage of resources by the former administration under the leadership of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, Beileh said he was ready to give a breakdown of the issues raised by the Attorney General but criticized the summonses, arguing that there are solid government structures that ought to be adhered to.

The outgoing minister criticized the letter summoning sent by the Attorney General urging him to abide by the rules set out in the administration of government matters, called by members of the government to the courts.

He argued that the Attorney General as the chief legal advisor of the government should have been on the frontline defending him instead of subjecting him and the same acc to public ridicule. The AG represents government departments in courts.

On Tuesday, the embattled minister is set to table the 2022/23 budget estimates in parliament for approval by the newly elected MPs. Somalia had risked a budget stalemate due to delayed polls which were concluded last month following pressure from stakeholders.

Somalia is yet to reach the completion point on borrowing and payment of debts, but there are signs that the country is headed in the right direction following the change of governance. Hassan Sheikh insists that his government will focus on revamping the economy.

GAROWE ONLINE