UNSOM lauds Somalia’s progress in Anti-corruption fight

Mogadishu – Marking International Anti-Corruption Day, the United Nations envoy to Somalia today has welcomed the country’s progress in strengthening the rule of law and building accountable and transparent institutions and underlined the importance of continuing to work on these areas.

In a press statement the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said that corruption is a major obstacle to development and undermines efforts toward state-building, peace, and reconciliation. It 

 He added that the United Nations is very encouraged by the recent signing into law by President Mohamed Abdillahi ‘Farmaajo’ of the bill on the establishment of the anti-corruption commission and the elaboration of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which he said are commendable steps forward for Somalia.

A key instrument to sustain, manage and track countries’ fight against corruption is the UN Convention against Corruption, the world’s only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, which this year marks its 16th anniversary since entering into force around the globe. 

Although Somalia is one of a handful of countries yet to sign and ratify the Convention, the United Nations welcomes steps that are being taken towards this goal, such as the progress with the anti-corruption commission and the anti-corruption strategy.

In the Statement, the United Nations in Somalia also welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to implement reforms that strengthen governance and reduce vulnerabilities to corruption evidenced by the recent passing of the National Audit Bill by the lower house and the passing of the amended Public Financial Management and Companies Acts by both houses of parliament.

In Somalia, the UN system has established an anti-corruption platform with international financial institutions and other development partners to provide technical and advisory services to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in its efforts to curb corruption. 

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on 9 December with the aim of raising awareness of corruption and the role the Convention plays in combating and preventing it.