body-container-line-1

Somalia's Spiraling Crisis of Corruption

Feature Article Jibril Mohamed Ahmed
FEB 3, 2023 LISTEN
Jibril Mohamed Ahmed

The East African nation of Somalia has been in a state of crisis for decades, with civil war, famine, poverty, and displacement plaguing its people. The root cause of many of these issues is the rampant corruption that has been entrenched in the country for decades.

According to Transparency International, Somalia (12) is at the bottom of the CPI, and continually ranks as the most corrupt country in the world. For three decades, violence and Corruption is rampant, yet public officials continue to ignore the problem, as newly elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dissolved two key anti-corruption bodies in October.

Corruption in the country has led to a decaying infrastructure, an inability to provide basic services to its citizens, and has created an atmosphere of impunity for those in power. In this article, we will explore the crisis of corruption in Somalia, the effects it has had on the country, and what can be done to address it.

Overview of Somalia's Political Situation

Somalia is a war-torn country with a long history of political instability. The Somali government is currently struggling to maintain control of its territory, with the country divided into several autonomous regions. In recent years, the country has faced a number of challenges, including a severe drought, famine, and the rise of the extremist group al-Shabab.

The country also faces a deepening crisis of corruption and mismanagement. Many senior government officials have been accused of misappropriating funds and failing to follow proper procedures. This has led to a lack of trust in the government, with many Somali citizens feeling that the government is not doing enough to protect the interests of the people.

The Somali people are increasingly taking to the streets to express their frustration with the current system of governance. They are demanding greater accountability and transparency from the government, but their calls have largely been ignored by the authorities.

It is essential that the Somali government takes urgent action to address the crisis of corruption and restore the confidence of its citizens in the system of governance. This can be done by introducing stronger anti-corruption laws and better oversight of government officials. It is also important that the government takes steps to improve the economy and create more opportunities for the Somali people.

The Somali people deserve a government that is accountable and transparent. It is time for the Somali government to take action to end the crisis of corruption and ensure a more prosperous future for the country.

The Impact of Corruption on Somalia
Corruption has been a major problem in Somalia for decades and it is now spiraling out of control. This has had a devastating impact on the country and its people, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that is only getting worse.

The rampant corruption has led to a lack of access to basic services for large sections of the population. This includes access to healthcare, education, and clean water, among other essential services. With the government unable to provide for its people, poverty has become the norm for much of Somalia.

The judicial system in Somalia has also been largely ineffective in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, leading to a culture of impunity. This has enabled corrupt officials to continue to operate with impunity and siphon off resources that should be going to the people.

In order to address the crisis of corruption in Somalia, there must be a concerted effort by international actors to create more accountable and transparent systems. This includes working with the Somali government to create more stringent anti-corruption laws and to ensure that those laws are enforced. It also involves supporting civil society organizations that are working to combat corruption and advocating for greater transparency in government.


Only by tackling corruption head-on can we begin to create a more stable Somalia. International actors must work together to ensure that corruption is reduced and that the Somali people have access to the basic services they need to lead healthy and prosperous lives.

The Role of International Actors
The crisis of corruption in Somalia has reached an alarming level, leaving citizens feeling powerless and distrustful of their government. International actors have an important role to play in addressing this crisis and restoring trust in Somali government institutions.

The international community must act together to tackle the root causes of corruption in Somalia, such as weak institutions and lack of accountability. This requires a holistic approach that focuses on both short-term and long-term solutions.

In the short-term, international actors can provide support to Somali civil society organizations, which are working to combat corruption and promote transparency. These organizations can help to shine a light on corrupt practices and demand greater government accountability.

In the long-term, international actors must provide support for the Somali government to build capacity and strengthen anti-corruption measures. This includes strengthening the rule of law, increasing public access to information, and encouraging public participation in decision-making processes.

It is clear that the international community has an important role to play in addressing Somalia’s crisis of corruption. By working together and providing support to the Somali government and civil society organizations, international actors can help to restore trust in government institutions and build a brighter future for Somalia.

The Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia is hard to overstate. With public funds being embezzled and diverted, the country faces severe shortages of food, clean water, healthcare, and education. This has led to extreme poverty and malnutrition, with millions of Somalis living in abject conditions.

The corruption crisis has also had a severe impact on Somalia's political and social stability. The government has been unable to provide basic security and stability to its citizens, leading to increased violence and unrest. This has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis, as people are unable to access the resources they need to survive.

The international community must take action to help Somalia address its corruption crisis and alleviate the suffering of its people. This could include providing humanitarian aid, as well as technical and financial assistance to help the government tackle corruption. In addition, the international community should support initiatives to improve governance and strengthen the rule of law, which are essential to addressing the root causes of the crisis.

Somalia's spiraling corruption crisis has had a devastating effect on the country's people. If the international community fails to take action, the situation will only worsen. It is time to take decisive action to help Somalia address its corruption crisis and alleviate the suffering of its people.

Somalia's Path Forward
Somalia has been plagued by a history of conflict and instability, leading to a deficiency in government and infrastructure. This lack of strong government has led to a wide-spread problem of corruption, with government officials taking advantage of their positions and exploiting their power. This crisis of corruption has resulted in a lack of trust and transparency among citizens, leading to a further lack of development and economic growth.

The path forward for Somalia involves stronger measures to combat corruption, including greater accountability for government officials, increased transparency in decision making, and an improved legal system to ensure that those engaging in corrupt activities are held to account. Additionally, the Somali government must invest in economic and social progress, such as through increased access to education, healthcare, and other social services. This will enable the Somali people to gain a greater sense of trust in their government, leading to increased investment and growth.

In order to ensure that these anti-corruption measures are successful, the Somali government must ensure that all citizens have access to education and healthcare services. This will enable citizens to participate in decision-making processes, and to hold their leaders accountable. Additionally, increased investment in infrastructure and economic development should be seen as a priority, as this will create more jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ultimately lead to greater stability and prosperity.

Ultimately, Somalia needs to take action to combat its spiraling crisis of corruption. By strengthening anti-corruption measures, increasing investment in infrastructure and social services, and increasing access to education and healthcare, the Somali government can create a path forward for the country. This will enable citizens to have greater trust and transparency in their government and lead to a brighter future for all of Somalia.

Corruption in Somalia is a complex and pervasive problem that has had a dramatic and negative impact on the country's development. It is a major contributor to Somalia's lack of stability and its ongoing crisis. Despite persistent challenges, there has been progress made in recent years to address Somalia's corruption crisis. Through increased transparency and accountability in public institutions, improved public awareness of corruption and the implementation of anti-corruption laws, there is the potential for Somalia to make significant progress in combatting corruption. It is essential that these efforts continue and are bolstered to ensure a brighter future for Somalia and its citizens.

body-container-line