The Office of the Auditor General has conducted a Comprehensive Forensic Audit and handed the findings to the Office of the Attorney General. The audit investigated Allegations of Financial Mismanagement (Forensic Audit Report) in the Work Permit Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MOLSA), the Visa Extension Department of the Immigration and Nationality Agency (IND), the Payroll Management Department of the Ministry of Finance, the Personnel Management Department of the Central Bank of Somalia, and the General Accounting Office. The comprehensive audit report conducted by the Auditor General’s Office reveals that there has been widespread embezzlement within the Somali government’s central treasury amounting to $21 million from 08 March 2018 to 19 April 2023. This misappropriation of funds occurred under the responsibility and management of the departments responsible for revenue collection and work permit issuance under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the departments responsible for immigration, accounting, and treasury management under the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and the Auditor General’s Office. The forensic audit conducted by the Auditor General’s Office covers the period from 08 March 2018 to 19 April 2023. It involves individuals holding positions in the government, civil servants, and members of the public who are directly or indirectly associated with the audited government institutions. Corruption and the abuse of the legal system in Somalia are significant challenges that undermine the stability and development of the country. The responsible institutions are urged to fulfill their duties and cooperate fully with the investigations, holding accountable all officials and employees involved in the mismanagement of government funds. Additionally, the Somali population is called upon to support and stand against those who engage in corruption and the actions of the extremist group Al-Shabaab. Fighting corruption and countering the threats of Al-Shabaab are national priorities for every Somali individual, both today and in the future. The objective of this comprehensive forensic audit is to combat corruption, recover misappropriated funds, and minimize the misuse of Somalia’s limited financial resources. No individual, group, or entity involved in the misappropriation and embezzlement of government funds will be spared from legal consequences.
Source: Somali National News Agency