Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling yet often turbulent landscape of Ethiopian politics, the Somali Federalist Party has raised an alarming voice against what they see as a rising tide of corruption and mismanagement within the Somali region of Ethiopia. These accusations, centered on financial malpractice, ring alarm bells about the worsening quality of life for the inhabitants of the area.
As the saying goes, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Yet, the party contends that the integrity of regional officials has been deeply compromised, claiming misappropriated funds and failed projects have spiraled out of control. These leaders are painted not as stewards of public resources but as architects of their misuse, prompting the party’s urgent plea for governmental intervention to rectify these wrongs.
The Somali Federalist Party’s statement, made available to the public via the Addis Standard, is rife with troubling allegations. They claim that millions of birr, intended for vital development projects, have vanished into the labyrinth of systemic corruption. High-ranking officials, finance officers, and bureau heads are implicated in this web, involved in questionable activities ranging from inflated contract costs to non-competitive awards, and, more blatantly, embezzlement. How have these practices stalled progress and stymied growth? Infrastructure projects in particular have suffered, leaving residents without essential services—a worrisome prospect.
Consider this: a 520-million-birr water project in Kebri Dehar, fully funded yet unimplemented. Or the funds earmarked for the Jigjiga city administration building—reportedly vanished. It’s not hard to imagine the social impact when the very foundation of these projects rests on such shaky ground. Take the second phase of the Jigjiga water supply project, spanning from 2017 to a hopeful 2025, languishing in neglect. For local residents, daily life becomes a struggle as water sourced privately can cost up to 150 birr per barrel.
It’s not just about water. The roads, crucial arteries connecting zones like Shinile, Korahe, and Jarar, tell a similar story. Contractors have allegedly pocketed full payments despite leaving roads incomplete. In the Qubi district, a bridge lies abandoned, a project deserted post-payment; susceptible to floods, the community had to step in, piecing it back together with personal resources. One can only wonder, should civic infrastructure be a community’s burden to bear?
The cautionary tale extends to land management in Jigjiga, where the Somali Federalist Party accuses officials of stripping public lands—originally dedicated for schools, hospitals, and government offices—and unlawfully privatizing them. The repercussions? A public riddled with distrust, shadowed by the looming sense of lost opportunities and obstructed development.
Patently, the Somali Federalist Party articulates a vision for a better future: one shielded against such fetters of corruption with robust audits and reinforced anti-corruption strategies. They urge federal institutions to execute independent investigations, aiming to rejuvenate public confidence. Indeed, the road to recovery demands transparent leadership—a sentiment echoed in governance principles worldwide.
As we contemplate on the intricate dance of governance, the pressing question remains: How do we foster a system that prioritizes fair and equitable development? From the nascent dreams of infrastructure to the stewardship of public resources, the challenges are significant. Yet they are not insurmountable.
Concluding this reflection, the call is clear—to hold accountable those responsible, restore the missing millions, and revive the spirit of transparency and diligence that is so critically needed. In the sincere words of the late, great Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” The path may be arduous, but with determined resolve, a brighter horizon can indeed become reality.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring.
