Somalia Parliament Expels Deputy PM Who Was Receiving Payments While Not Attending Sessions

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 12 October 2024 16:21

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Somalia Parliament Expels Deputy PM Who Was Receiving Payments While Not Attending Sessions

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Jama, was expelled from the Upper House of the Federal Parliament on Saturday after an investigative committee revealed that he had been receiving payments for two years

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Somalia's Senate has removed Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama (pictured) after he missed four consecutive sessions, despite continuing to receive payments.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Jama, was expelled from the Upper House of the Federal Parliament on Saturday after an investigative committee revealed that he had been receiving payments for two years without attending parliamentary sessions.

Somalia's government heavily relies on foreign aid, with nearly all civil servants and high-ranking officials, including top leaders, receiving their salaries and allowances through World Bank and IMF budget support grants. These funds come from taxpayers in Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

On Saturday, Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi signed a directive authorizing the removal of Mr. Jama from his seat, UH 50, representing Somaliland, Kaab TV has reported.

"Mr. Salah Ahmed Jama did not attend four consecutive sessions of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia while receiving salaries and allowances,” said Speaker Abdi Hashi.

As a result, Ibrahim Idle Suleyman, who had previously contested for the position and was the designated standby candidate, was selected to fill seat UH 50.

"Article 19 (4) of the rules of procedure of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia states that a member who misses two consecutive sessions loses their seat,” the Speaker stated in the decree.

The unique electoral process for Somaliland representatives selected from Mogadishu, as outlined during the 2021 elections, allows them to be selected through an indirect method.

Somaliland claims to be an independent country and does not recognise the lawmakers in the Somalia parliament who occupy seats under its name.

The Speaker further explained that since there is no federal state government that had appointed Mr. Jama as a representative, he decided to fill the seat with Mr. Suleyman, who comes from the same clan as Jama.

In addition to his senatorial position, Mr. Jama held the role of Deputy Prime Minister, receiving payments for both.

Although he did not attend House sessions and conducted no business, he continued to receive his senatorial salary and allowances, funded primarily by international assistance from Western nations.

It is unclear whether Mr. Jama will be required to return the funds.

Historically, no Somali official has been forced to repay money obtained illegally, and corruption remains pervasive in government affairs.