This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On August 24, 2020, a Somali court handed down jail sentences to four government officials accused of stealing public funds meant for Covid-19 emergency response.
The Banadir Regional Court, which covers crimes committed in Mogadishu and surrounding areas, found the officials guilty following a high-profile case that drew public scrutiny over the use of the funds.
The case began in April 2020, just a month after Somalia reported its first case of Covid-19. At that time, the Ministry of Health revealed that several officials were under investigation for diverting public money.
According to court documents, the officials were found guilty of committing corrupt acts and sentenced to different terms as well as imposed varying fines.
The Sentences ¶
Abdullahi Hashi Ali, the 61-year-old director-general of the Ministry of Health, was sentenced to nine years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of Somali Sh 59,170,000 (approximately $2,366).
Mohamoud Bulle Mohamoud, the 52-year-old director of administration at the Ministry of Health, was sentenced to 18 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $2,366.
Mahdi Abshir Mohamed, the 30-year-old head of the Wacyigelinta Caafimaadka (health awareness) project, was sentenced to 12 years in jail and ordered to pay a fine of the same amount.
Bashir Abdi Nur, the 34-year-old head of the Ministry of Health's malaria and HIV/AIDS department, was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1,183.
The judge stated that the four officials were not entitled to bail but had the right to appeal the sentences within 30 days.
Additionally, the court set five suspects free after finding no clear evidence of their wrongdoing.
Corruption in Somalia ¶
The jailing of the officials could be seen as a rare warning in a country known for its high levels of corruption.
According to a 2019 report by Transparency International, Somalia was ranked as the most corrupt country in Africa, scoring nine out of 100 marks on governance, accountability, and transparency.
