Somalia's anti-graft agency warns against misuse of public resources

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Civil servants in Somalia have been warned against the misuse of public resources and abuse of power, with the Anti-Corruption Commission saying such vices have been derailing the provision of resources to the people in the country.

Runaway corruption has been one of the setbacks in Somalia's internal affairs, with state officers often accused of swindling resources meant for development. The country's institutions are almost dysfunctional, making it difficult for service delivery.

“IACC warns against all forms of corruption including but not limited to vote-buying and bribery before, during, and after elections,” the agency said in a statement.

In elections, the agency called for fairness to all candidates, adding that women and people from marginalized communities should be given opportunities. Voter bribery was discouraged by the agency, which warned of stern actions.

“IACC observers will be assigned to respective polling locations across the country. Given the unique nature of our country’s electoral process, IACC is developing an Election Investigations Mechanism for investigators of both administrative and criminal violations. IACC will also launch public awareness and we call for local, national, and international stakeholders to collaborate,” IACC said.

Further, the agency vowed to monitor the transparency of the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections which are slated for this August. The country had elections delayed following a disagreement between the opposition and the government.

The agency expressed its commitment to ensuring the strengthening of a transparent, fair, and democratic electoral process in Somalia saying to monitor political funding and spending; and deter the abuse of state resources in elections.

“Under the Constitutional mandate, IACC will closely monitor the actions of the electoral commissions, the delegates, and the candidates in a way to prevent against any kind of electoral malpractices,” the anti-graft body said. “IACC notes all concerns raised by all stakeholders and is committed to investigate and take appropriate actions against perpetrators.”

For fairness of the indirect polls, the agency also asked members of the international community to work closely with the country to observe the conduct throughout the exercise. The committee members on polls were warned against partiality.

GAROWE ONLINE