Northeastern State’s World Bank Locust Initiative Faces Collapse Due to Wage Delays

In recent weeks, a troubling narrative has emerged from Northeastern State, where the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside international partners, has faced significant allegations surrounding the anti-locust program. Specifically, reports indicate that this crucial initiative—a measure funded by the World Bank aimed at safeguarding crops from the devastating impact of desert locusts—teeters on the brink of failure. So how did it come to this?

This program, heralded as essential in the fight against agricultural destruction in a region known for its vulnerability to drought, has not compensated its employees for an astounding eight months. Imagine putting in long hours, dedicated to a cause that impacts countless lives, only to face the grim reality of unpaid wages. Security personnel and staff members at the Qardho Desert Locust Monitoring and Control Centre have voiced their frustrations, pointing fingers at Northeastern State’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdulkadir Salah, affectionately known as Doonyale. Accusations of financial mismanagement and neglect swirl around his ministry, raising significant concerns about the integrity of the project.

Internal documents obtained by AX lend credence to these claims. They reveal that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) received formal complaints from affected employees as early as last August, citing issues of salary delays and owed travel reimbursements. In light of these grievances, the FAO indicated the necessity for affected workers to report their struggles to the Office of the Auditor General under the Northeastern State Presidency. This office is already engaged in examining similar allegations connected to the management of project funds.

What does it mean when funds intended for vital agricultural support are withheld? Sources suggest the ramifications have been far-reaching, including a reported freeze on incoming project funds. Compounding matters, the Director General of the Agriculture Ministry has faced suspension pending an internal investigation, an action that reflects the gravity of the situation.

In a noteworthy development, this issue has reached the corridors of power, capturing the attention of the Northeastern State regional assembly. During a recent parliamentary session, one astute lawmaker pointedly questioned officials about the delayed payments, querying whether the government was aware of the hardships endured by project staff. This inquiry underscores a critical aspect of accountability: when the stakes are so high, how can one remain passive in the face of such adversity?

This anti-locust initiative is not just another government program; it is a lifeline for countless families heavily reliant on agriculture and pastoralism in Northeastern State. Backed by the World Bank, the program is part of a broader international effort to combat the increasing threat posed by desert locust swarms in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. Such interventions seek to shield crops and livestock from annihilation, preserving the very fabric of local communities.

To provide more context, it is important to note that in 2020, the World Bank launched a substantial $500 million Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP) aimed at tackling these existential threats. Of that amount, an impressive $40 million was earmarked specifically for Somalia. These funds are intended for emergency cash transfers, agricultural recovery efforts, and vital locust surveillance initiatives, exemplified through programs such as the Shock-Responsive Safety Net for Locust Response Project—affectionately known as Baxnaano.

In 2021, regional officials and the FAO inaugurated the National Desert Locust Monitoring and Control Centre in Qardho, buoyed by support from the UK and USAID. Designed to serve as a permanent hub for rapid response and surveillance, this center aims to protect pastoralist and farming communities from the devastation of repeated locust infestations. Yet, as we see now, all that initiative and investment risk being undermined.

As this situation unfolds, one cannot help but wonder: What are the broader implications for accountability and governance in Northeastern State? The lack of a public response from the Northeastern State government to these serious allegations leaves many questions unanswered and casts a shadow over the future of the program. Will those responsible be held accountable? And can funds meant for vital development processes be protected from mismanagement?

As we reflect on these pressing issues, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and integrity within governmental processes—especially when lives depend on it.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.