Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s judiciary has obstructed an official audit into nearly $2 million in public funds, Auditor General Ahmed Issa Gutale revealed on Tuesday, in a move that has heightened concerns over accountability within the federal system.
According to Gutale, his office sought to review expenditures tied to state institutions but was denied access by judicial authorities. He said the decision undermines Somalia’s efforts to build credible public financial management and fight corruption at a time when international partners are pressing Mogadishu to uphold fiscal reforms.
“This action not only restricts the Auditor General’s constitutional mandate but also weakens the principles of transparency and accountability the government has pledged to uphold,” Gutale stated.
The blocked audit comes as Somalia pushes to solidify gains from recent debt relief agreements with international lenders, where financial discipline is a central requirement. Civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have already voiced alarm, warning that the judiciary’s move could erode public trust and damage donor confidence.
Somalia’s judiciary has not yet issued a formal explanation for its decision. However, critics argue that preventing independent scrutiny of public funds fuels perceptions of impunity and risks reversing fragile governance reforms.
The incident adds to longstanding concerns over weak oversight institutions in Somalia, where mismanagement of state resources has often sparked disputes between government branches and complicated relations with international partners.
