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The Somali Federalist Party has raised serious allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement against regional officials in Ethiopia’s Somali region, warning that the ongoing misappropriation of public funds is worsening living conditions and stalling critical development projects. The party is calling for immediate government intervention to recover lost funds and hold those responsible accountable.
According to a statement obtained by Addis Standard, millions of birr allocated for infrastructure and social development projects have either been misused or remain unaccounted for. The party accuses high-ranking leaders, finance officers, and bureau heads of orchestrating systemic corruption through inflated project costs, non-competitive contract awards, and outright embezzlement. These irregularities, the party claims, have severely impacted public services, leaving residents struggling with inadequate infrastructure and essential resources.
One of the most striking examples highlighted in the statement is a 520-million-birr water project in Kebri Dehar that remains unimplemented despite receiving full funding. The party alleges that funds meant for the construction of the Jigjiga city administration building have vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, the 1.36-billion-birr second phase of Jigjiga’s water supply project, which was planned between 2017 and 2025, remains unfinished, forcing residents to rely on private water vendors who charge as much as 150 birr per barrel.
The statement further accuses contractors of receiving full payments for major road projects in Shinile, Korahe, and Jarar zones, despite failing to complete construction. In Qubi district, a bridge project was reportedly abandoned after payments were made, leaving it vulnerable to seasonal floods. With no government intervention, local residents were forced to rebuild the bridge themselves using their own resources.
Beyond infrastructure failures, the party also condemns what it describes as rampant land mismanagement in Jigjiga. Public land originally designated for schools, hospitals, and government institutions has allegedly been illegally acquired and privatized. The Somali Federalist Party warns that unless immediate action is taken, corruption and mismanagement will continue to cripple governance and development efforts in the region.
The party is urging federal institutions to conduct independent audits and introduce stricter anti-corruption measures to restore public trust. It calls for transparent investigations into financial mismanagement and demands accountability for officials involved in these schemes. According to the party, failure to address these issues will only deepen the economic hardships faced by residents and further erode confidence in the region’s leadership.
As allegations of corruption continue to surface, many in the Somali region are left questioning whether their leaders are committed to development or simply enriching themselves at the public’s expense. The growing public frustration underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability to ensure that development funds serve the people rather than lining the pockets of a select few.