Parliamentary Approval Pending for National Anti-Corruption Strategy
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The Somali government has initiated a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) and reform agenda aimed at building a culture of integrity and accountability in government operations. However, the implementation of NACS is still pending parliamentary approval.
Background
As reported in the Auditor General’s Report of 2018, financial management accountability in Somalia has been severely lacking. To address this issue, the government has launched a comprehensive strategy to tackle corruption and improve governance.
Objectives of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy
The NACS is based on a consultative process involving several ministries, public agencies, private sector businesses, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders. The strategy aims to achieve several key goals:
- Enforcement of anti-corruption legislation
- Increasing public awareness
- Developing exemplary leadership
- Establishing effective external scrutiny institutions
- Strengthening legislative frameworks
Implementation Challenges
However, the implementation of NACS is still pending parliamentary approval. According to sources, the Ministry of Justice is finalizing the strategy with the support of Transparency International and the National Economic Council (NEC).
Experts have emphasized that the success of NACS hinges on its faithful implementation by the government. They recommend:
- Setting up a system where every official is accountable for their actions
- Disbursing approved resources in accordance with intended appropriations and accounting for them
- Enabling the Anti-Corruption Commission to operate independently and accorded appropriate prosecution powers
- Cultivating a culture of integrity that discourages public officials from abusing their positions for personal gain
Collaboration with International Anti-Corruption Agencies
The Somali authorities have expressed willingness to collaborate with international anti-corruption agencies such as Transparency International on the implementation of the national anti-corruption strategy.
Conclusion
Tackling corruption in Somalia demands unified national actions that involve relevant state organs, the private sector, and civil society. The formation of a Somali chapter of Transparency International is deemed necessary for addressing this problem in a concerted fashion.