Power struggles resurface at Somalia's Ministry of Finance amid controversial appointments

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Power struggles resurface at Somalia's Ministry of Finance amid controversial appointments

MOGADISHU (Horn Observer) Once again, turmoil and controversy have enveloped Somalia's Ministry of Finance as a fierce battle for power and control over financial matters unfolds within its walls.

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MOGADISHU (Horn Observer) Once again, turmoil and controversy have enveloped Somalia's Ministry of Finance as a fierce battle for power and control over financial matters unfolds within its walls. On September 5, Faisal Mohamed Hashi, the Director General for Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, and a formidable ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, made a bold series of appointments.

In a surprising move, he named the heads of Direct Taxes, Indirect Taxes, and Non-Taxable Revenue. Remarkably, the Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman, who had assumed office only two months prior, remained unaware of these appointments.

Iman had taken the helm after the abrupt dismissal of his predecessor, Dr. Elmi Nur, mere days following the suspension of two officials, Accountant General Mohamed Abdirahman Anas, and the Finance Ministry’s Director for Revenue, Feisal Mohamed Hashi, over allegations of corruption and abuse of power.

Ironically, the very officials who had been suspended found themselves reinstated when the minister was unceremoniously removed from his position, solidifying their status as the most influential figures within the Ministry of Finance.

The September 5 appointments reignited tensions between Minister Bihi Iman and Feisal Mohamed Hashi, setting the stage for another contentious chapter just two months into the new minister’s tenure.

The trio of division heads recently appointed reportedly enjoy favoritism from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with some having close familial ties or connections to the president’s associates.

It is becoming increasingly evident that a significant number of positions related to revenue collection and financial management within the government are being awarded to close relatives, family members, and associates of top government officials. An illustrative case in point is the appointment of the President’s daughter-in-law, Hawo Ahmed Hassan, as the head of the bureau of standards, an agency with contracts valued in the millions.

Minister Bihi Iman, who was away in Qatar at the time of these controversial appointments, is expected to return to Mogadishu in the coming days.

Sources within the minister’s office have revealed that the minister’s course of action remains uncertain, despite the fact that his predecessor faced dismissal for suspending Accountant General Mohamed Abdirahman Anas and the Finance Ministry’s Director for Revenue, Feisal Mohamed Hashi.

The power dynamics within the Ministry of Finance continue to evolve, leaving observers and officials alike in anticipation of what may transpire next