The Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Jubbaland, Ahmed Hassan Omar, has accused officials within Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Fisheries of misappropriating donor-funded resources intended to support local fishermen and regional administrations.
Speaking at a press conference held at his office, Minister Ahmed Omar alleged that vehicles and other critical equipment provided by international donors for the development of Somalia’s fisheries sector were instead diverted for personal use by senior federal officials, including the minister.
According to the Jubbaland official, the aid which included transport vehicles and specialized fishing equipment, had been entrusted to the Federal Ministry of Fisheries for equitable distribution among Somalia’s federal member states. However, he said that none of these resources have reached the intended beneficiaries, including regional governments and fishing communities.
“This situation undermines the trust of our international partners and weakens ongoing efforts to build and develop Somalia’s blue economy,” Minister Ahmed Omar stated.
He emphasized that Somali citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on fishing, have a legitimate right to access the support and tools provided through international assistance programs.
The Jubbaland minister further called on international donors to launch a thorough investigation into the matter and to closely monitor the final destination of the pledged resources.
He accused certain federal officials of exploiting public assets for private benefit, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within the sector.
The allegations come at a time when Somalia is working to harness its vast marine resources as a key pillar of economic growth and livelihood development.
