In brief
- Somaliland's parliamentary anti-corruption committee on 14 August 2018 presented evidence alleging that former Minister of Public Works Ali Mohammed Hassan colluded with Al Baraka Construction Company over the Burao Correctional Facility.
- The committee said more than $400,000 of public money is unaccounted for because invoices and receipts do not add up.
- The report from Somaliland Standard does not establish any formal charges, recovery of funds, or completion of the prison since that date.
On 14 August 2018, Somaliland Standard reported that the Somaliland Parliamentary Ethics Committee held a press conference to announce it had sufficient evidence that former Minister of Public Works and Housing Ali Mohammed Hassan (Ali Marehan) colluded with Al Baraka Construction Company to "fleece" the government in the construction of the Burao Correctional Facility.
The committee's announcement, attributed to a letter signed by the former minister which it produced during the press briefing, included a document stating that land measuring 103 by 30 meters cost $927,000. The minister's letter stated that $350,000 was discounted for the government and $577,000 was handed to the construction company to construct the Burao prison, according to the committee as reported by Somaliland Standard.
In another document, the minister stated that the $350,000 was used to buy land for the original settlers of the government land that belongs to the Somaliland Police, the committee said. Dahabshiil Group revealed that it built the new houses for the settlers, according to Somaliland Standard.
The committee confirmed that more than $400,000 of public money is unaccounted for because invoices and receipts do not add up. Members of parliament present at the press conference said they will not leave any stone unturned until all stolen government assets are accounted for, and promised to be vigilant in the investigations.
Following a presidential order, the committee decided that land given to Dahabshiil Group should be revalued and the proceeds used to complete the Burao Prison. The chairman of the committee, Hon. Nassir Ali Shire, confirmed that the Burao Prison saga is shrouded in secrecy.
The report from Somaliland Standard does not establish what happened after the press conference. It does not show whether the committee's evidence led to formal charges, recovery of funds, or completion of the Burao Correctional Facility. It also does not provide a response from the former minister, Al Baraka Construction Company, or Dahabshiil Group to the committee's allegations.
Frequently asked questions
What evidence did the committee present?
The committee produced a letter signed by the former minister and documents stating that $350,000 was discounted for the government and $577,000 handed to the construction company. It confirmed more than $400,000 of public money is unaccounted for.
Which public lands were involved?
The land in question measures 103 by 30 meters and was given to Dahabshiil Group, according to the committee's cited letter. The former minister stated $350,000 was used to buy land for original settlers of government land belonging to the Somaliland Police.