To: All concerned governments and international organizations

Subject: Urgent Action Required to Address Financial Corruption and the Misuse of Somalia’s National Assets

Dear Members of the International Community,

We write this letter with profound concern about the escalating corruption, financial crimes, and systemic abuses under the administration of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This administration has facilitated large-scale financial corruption that  enabled illicit financing tied to Yemen’s Houthi network, and prioritized personal wealth accumulation over the welfare of Somali citizens only to collect enough money for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections.

The potential  involvement of Houthi money laundering in Somalia is worrisome.  Houthis smuggle weapons to Somalia with a possible deal with Al-Shabab. However, many believe that these weapons are sold in the open markets in Somalia. The money gained is invested into businesses, whereby  at the end the Houthis  receives clean and legal money.

Therefore, we call upon the international community to launch investigations into the excessive financial crimes including money laundering which high ranking Somali officials and foreigners are suspected to involve.

1. Sheltering Criminal Networks

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud  gave immunity and protection to  key actors involved in financial crimes, turning his administration as a criminal enterprise rather than a legitimate government.

• The president’s close associates, including US sanctioned Mr. Abdinasir Ali Mohamud, have been exempted  from accountability and were given immunity,  despite credible evidence of their involvement in money laundering, weapon sales  and corruption.
• National assets, including public land, government infrastructures have been liquadized into cash by the president’s allies, by selling close business associates.

The sole reason that the pushing the president  to sell  these lands and involves these dirty businesses, is to collect enough money to buy seats for his loyalists into the upcoming parliamentary and presidential election to ensure his return. The leaders of the regional states, Somalia terror group Al-Shabab and other terror groups are  also planning to have an influence in the upcoming elections. 

Key activities include:

• Livestock Exports as a Front for Money Laundering:
  Abu Yaasir and his associates have exploited Somalia’s livestock trade with the sole exporter of Somali livestock trade to the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Infrastructure Projects Funded with Illicit Money:
  Investments in Mogadishu’s new airport and port infrastructure, as well as real estate developments requires a thorough investigation. Several media reports suggested that Al-Shabab, a terror group in Somalia, heavily invested in real state and their business, with cover up for unsuspected high ranking officials and other individuals in the business community, are running their businesses.
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• US sanctioned  Abdinasir Ali Mohamud’s money and businesses are run by unsuspected individuals and  bank

• Abu Yaasir, Yemeni origin who holds Saudi Nationality,  was invited and hosted in Mogadishu and Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud awarded  exclusive Livestock Export rights, raising questions both business and financial transparency.
  

2. Human Rights Violations and Ethnic Targeting

President Mohamud’s administration has overseen a series of human rights violations, including forced evictions of poor people including women and children. Those evicted poor people do not have proper shelters and food to eat and the government which was supposed to protect is responsible for their suffering.

3.  Somalia mght be Heading Towards the path of Civil War and Social Collapse if the upcoming election not handled properly.

We are deeply concerned about the current political direction under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which could lead to widespread bloodshed, collapse of law and order, and the undoing of international efforts to stabilize Somalia. The international community has invested significant resources to help Somalia establish governance, peace, and security, but worrying signs indicate the country is heading toward conflict.

Opposition members, including former presidents, have voiced concerns about the upcoming elections and accussed President Hassan Sheikh of creating a self-serving electoral system under his control. This raises fears of potential political and social violence.

There is a growing sense that the country’s leadership has failed to create an environment of unity based on justice and dialogue. The ongoing political maneuver  and disputes among leaders and politicians could create an irreversible crisis.

It is crucial for all parties, including opposition leaders and international partners, to work together to restore trust, promote transparency, and prevent further escalation. Somalia needs leadership that unites the nation and prioritizes peace over personal or political gains.

4.  Call to Action for the International Community

We urge the international community to take immediate and decisive action to address the situation in Somalia.

Recommendations:

1.    Launch an Independent Investigation:
Conduct a comprehensive investigation into allegations of money laundering, corruption, and abuse of power and allegations of interference into the upcoming elections in order to prevent criminals to involve and decide Somalia’s future.

2.    Impose Targeted Sanctions:
Sanction individuals and entities facilitating involved in these dirty businesses to avoid further instability into an already fragile country.

3.    Strengthen Oversight of Somali Exports:
Establish mechanisms to monitor Somalia’s livestock exports and infrastructure projects to prevent their exploitation for laundering illicit funds.

4.    Promote Accountability and Good Governance:
Support Somali civil society organizations in advocating for transparency, accountability, and ensure that the country’s national assets not to be used for election purposeses..

5.    Engage in Regional Cooperation:
Work with regional partners to disrupt financial networks tied to the Houthi movement and other extremist groups

Sincerely,

Shurie Mohammed

Chairman of Dulmidiid Qaran

National Movement Against Oppression

Email: [email protected]

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