Somalia starts trial of ex-officials in $10 million theft

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A court in Somalia has kicked off the trial of two former government officials implicated in a $10 million theft, in a case which showcases the country's commitment to the fight against corruption, which has grounded many government programmes.

The Banadir Court has started the trial of two former officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Directorate, Mohamed Aden Kofi and Abdulkadir Ilmi [Abdul], but in their absentia. The trial, once concluded, will be the most successful court case involving public servants.

During their time in service, officials say, the two are believed to have stolen $10 million, further grounding government operations in the Horn of Africa nation. Already, prosecutors have prepared their files and are set to prove their case in court.

"Today, the Banadir Regional Court started a trial in absentia for two former officials of the Immigration and Naturalization Directorate, Mohamed Kofi and Abdulkadir Ilmi," state media reported on Thursday, just after the case commenced.

"They are charged with corruption, as they allegedly stole $10 million from the state coffers during their service," the message further read, in compliance with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's philosophy of fighting corruption in the country.

When he took over in 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pushed for expedited prosecution of corruption cases, arguing that the country is losing millions of dollars to rogue government officials. He vowed to have perpetrators brought to book.

Somalia is ranked as one of corrupt countries in the world, and in some instances, this has forced well-wishers to withdraw their monetary support to the country. The lack of courts in the country also makes it difficult for the cases to be dispensed in time.

GAROWE ONLINE