MP Dr. Abib accuses Somali leadership of corruption, illegal contracting, and diplomatic sabotage in World Bank project.

Explosive corruption allegations rock Somalia’s government as MP Dr. Abib exposes illegal $1.7 million contract with PEMANDU Associates. International donors on edge as diplomatic crisis brews. 

Somalia’s fragile legitimacy is unraveling—again—this time under the weight of a $1.7 million corruption scandal that could choke the nation’s lifeline of international aid. At the center: a high-stakes consulting contract with Malaysia-based PEMANDU Associates and a damning letter by Federal MP Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abib that pulls no punches.

From contract fraud to constitutional violations, the scandal tears into the Somali government’s already tenuous credibility. Dr. Abib’s accusations strike directly at the heart of state power: Prime Minister Hamse Barre, the Minister of Finance, and even the Central Bank Governor are named in an alleged web of patronage, nepotism, and legal misconduct. The contract, supposedly for a “National Transformation Plan,” not only sidesteps the existing National Development Plan (NDP-9), but tramples Somalia’s own laws and the World Bank’s procurement protocols.

This isn’t just about numbers and paperwork. This is a war over the soul of Somalia’s development future—and whether that future will be written by Somali institutions or foreign cronies with elite connections.

The deeper scandal? The expulsion of Sweden’s Deputy Ambassador, reportedly for questioning the legitimacy of the NTP plan. That single act triggered a diplomatic time bomb, endangering ties with Sweden, the EU, and the broader donor community that props up Somalia’s fragile institutions. Already suffering from what Abib calls “plan fatigue,” donors may walk away for good—leaving Mogadishu’s elite in their palaces and the Somali people with dust.

Somalia Expels Swedish Consul Anna Högberg

This isn’t just bureaucratic rot. It’s systemic sabotage of Somalia’s own governance structure. The removal of the Planning Ministry from oversight reeks of executive overreach, a hijacking of constitutional order. It’s no longer just corruption; it’s state capture.

If these allegations hold, Prime Minister Hamse may soon find himself isolated both internationally and domestically. With mounting pressure for parliamentary inquiries, forensic audits, and criminal investigations, this could be the opening salvo of a broader political reckoning.

Somalia’s leaders now face a stark choice: accountability or collapse.

Stay tuned. WARYATV will track every twist of this unfolding scandal.

Somalia’s corruption index drops again, reinforcing concerns over governance, security, and economic stability.

Somalia has once again been ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries, according to Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). With a score of just 9 out of 100, the country slid further down the rankings, securing the 179th spot out of 180 nations, second only to South Sudan.

Despite government pledges to tackle systemic corruption, the reality paints a grim picture: public funds disappear into the hands of officials, judicial institutions lack the power to prosecute wrongdoing, and bribery remains the norm in every sector. The security forces, already battling Al-Shabaab insurgents, have seen their budgets gutted by corrupt officials, further destabilizing the nation.

Anti-corruption measures, such as the establishment of the Office of the Auditor General and procurement oversight reforms, have done little to halt the tide of fraud and embezzlement. Political interference ensures that high-profile figures remain untouchable, while millions in international aid vanish without accountability.

Beyond governance, corruption is crippling Somalia’s economy and exacerbating the effects of climate change. Donor funds meant for disaster relief are siphoned off, and critical infrastructure projects remain incomplete. Meanwhile, foreign investors remain wary of engaging with a nation where fraud and mismanagement are the status quo.

Somalia’s worsening ranking reflects a broader trend in the region, with Sudan and South Sudan also among the worst offenders. Ethiopia and Kenya, while performing slightly better, continue to struggle with deep-rooted corruption, particularly in procurement and law enforcement.

With corruption now deeply embedded in Somalia’s political and economic fabric, the future remains uncertain. Without drastic action, the country risks further descent into instability, ensuring that development, security, and public trust remain elusive.

Feeding Our Future founder accused of orchestrating the largest pandemic-era fraud in U.S. history as prosecutors detail $250 million embezzlement scheme.

The trial of Aimee Bock, alleged mastermind behind the staggering $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud, has taken center stage in a Minneapolis courtroom. Federal prosecutors accuse Bock of running a sophisticated network of fraudulent food sites, siphoning taxpayer money meant to feed low-income children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bobier painted Bock as the “gatekeeper” of the scheme, allowing fraudulent food distributors to claim impossible meal numbers—one site allegedly reported serving 185,000 meals per day, more than the entire public school system in Minneapolis and St. Paul combined. Prosecutors also allege that Bock personally enriched herself, directing $1 million to her boyfriend and accepting a $310,000 bribe to enroll a non-operational daycare into the federal meal program.

Bock’s defense insists she was a scapegoat, deceived by fraudsters within her own organization. Her attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, argues that the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) failed in its oversight role, continuing to approve funding despite internal fraud concerns. FBI investigators and co-defendants who have already pleaded guilty are set to testify, with the trial expected to last up to a month.

This case marks one of the most significant fraud prosecutions in U.S. history, exposing critical failures in government oversight of federal nutrition programs.

Mohamed Muse Noor, a prominent Somali journalist and media owner, has pleaded guilty in the staggering $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud case, one of the largest pandemic-related scams in U.S. history. Noor, also known as Deeq Darajo, admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, acknowledging his role in falsifying records and siphoning funds meant to feed hungry children.

Noor, who owned Xogmaal Media Group, claimed to provide meals for 1,500 children daily, but prosecutors revealed the numbers were entirely fabricated. Court records show he never even visited the feeding sites listed under his name. Arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport in 2022 while attempting to flee to Turkey, Noor received $1.3 million in illicit funds, though a fellow conspirator, Feeding Our Future employee Abdikerm Eidleh, allegedly took most of it, leaving Noor with just $52,000.

Minnesota Woman Pleads Guilty in $5.7M Feeding Our Future Fraud

The case is rocking Minnesota’s Somali community, with federal agents aggressively pursuing luxury cars, real estate, and bank accounts linked to the fraud. Noor’s guilty plea follows confessions from other defendants, including Safari Restaurant owners, who fraudulently claimed $16 million in reimbursements for feeding 5,000 children daily.

The scandal’s mastermind, Aimee Bock, is set to stand trial Monday, alongside co-defendant Salim Said. Prosecutors argue that instead of feeding vulnerable children, those involved enriched themselves on taxpayer dollars.

The fallout is immense. Trust in federally funded programs is collapsing, and Somali-American leaders fear lasting damage to businesses and community credibility.

As federal prosecutors continue to seize stolen assets, the question lingers—how deep does this fraud go, and who else will fall?

Court Clash Over Somali Real Estate Developer Unveils Tensions in Minnesota

Somali-American Leader Sentenced to 17 Years for Role in $250M Feeding Our Future Fraud

Somali Refugee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Millions in COVID Fraud Scheme

FBI Forensic Accountant Tracks Misused Taxpayer Funds in Feeding Our Future Trial

A Shocking Admission

An explosive audio clip of Farah Maalim, MP for Daadab and former Deputy Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, has surfaced. In the recording, Maalim boasts about embezzling millions of dollars during his tenure.

Speaking in Somali on Twitter Space, he reveals how he exploited his position as deputy speaker and chairman of the Parliament Liaison Committee to pocket substantial sums from the allocated parliamentary funds.

Timing and Context

The timing of this revelation is critical. Maalim is already under fire for advocating violence against 5000 Gen Z protesters who stormed Parliament to oppose the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. This audio adds fuel to the controversy, portraying Maalim as both corrupt and violent.

“In January, Farah Maalim claimed on Somalia Twitter spaces.

He openly boasted about not needing money because he was in control of "hundreds of millions of dollars" during his tenure as Deputy Speaker.” pic.twitter.com/4FEgTmJ7xm

Advertisement

— BRAVIN YURI (@BravinYuri) July 10, 2024

Indonesia’s anti-graft court handed down a 10-year prison sentence to former Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo on Thursday. The court found him guilty of extortion, abuse of power, and bribery, severely undermining President Joko Widodo’s anti-corruption campaign. This case marks the sixth cabinet member under Widodo’s administration to be convicted of corruption, casting a long shadow over his pledge to clean up the government.

The court in Jakarta determined that Limpo abused his position to enrich himself and other officials, ordering him to pay a $18,500 fine with an additional four-month imprisonment if he fails to do so. Presiding Judge Rianto Adam Pontoh stated, “The defendant has legally and convincingly been proven guilty of corruption. He wasn’t a good example as a public official; what he has done counters the government’s efforts to fight corruption and enriched himself by corruption.”

Limpo’s downfall began in October when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested him. Despite his denials, the trial revealed a web of corruption involving top ministry officials who testified that Limpo demanded 20% of their budgets under threat of job loss. Vendors and suppliers were coerced into contributing to his lavish lifestyle, funding luxury cars, private jets, and even family parties and religious pilgrimages.

Prosecutors argued that Limpo accepted around $2.7 million between January 2020 and October 2023. Limpo’s subordinates, Kasdi Subagyono and Muhammad Hatta, were also sentenced to four years each for their roles in the scheme. Limpo, maintaining his innocence, claimed he was a victim of political persecution and insisted that his orders were never questioned by his subordinates.

President Widodo, who campaigned on a promise of clean governance, faces increased scrutiny as Indonesia remains entrenched in corruption. The country ranked 115th out of 180 in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. Limpo’s conviction follows that of Johnny G. Plate, another Nasdem Party politician and former communications minister, who received a 15-year sentence for his involvement in a $533 million graft case related to mobile phone transmission towers.

The KPK, despite being one of the most effective anti-corruption bodies in Indonesia, faces constant challenges from lawmakers aiming to curtail its powers. Since its establishment in 2003, the KPK has arrested around 250 local parliament members, 133 regents and mayors, 18 governors, 83 national parliament members, and 12 ministers, underscoring the pervasive nature of corruption in Indonesia.

The verdict against Limpo serves as both a reminder of the deep-seated corruption within Indonesian politics and a testament to the ongoing efforts by the KPK to hold powerful figures accountable. However, the road to a clean government remains fraught with obstacles as President Widodo’s administration contends with the relentless tide of corruption that continues to plague the nation.

Rich nations profit from climate aid meant for developing countries! Billions funneled back to donor economies through high-interest loans & strings attached.

In recent years, a program designed to help developing nations combat climate change has instead funneled billions of dollars back to wealthy countries. An investigation by Reuters, in collaboration with Big Local News at Stanford University, reveals how financial mechanisms attached to climate aid are benefiting the donor nations at the expense of the intended recipients.

The Promise and the Reality

The international community pledged to provide $100 billion annually to assist poorer nations in reducing emissions and adapting to extreme weather. This commitment was based on the principle that wealthy countries, having contributed significantly to global pollution, should aid those disproportionately affected by climate change. However, the reality of how these funds are allocated and repaid tells a different story.

Profiting from Climate Aid

Reuters’ analysis of U.N. and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data uncovered that developed nations, including Japan, France, Germany, and the United States, have been extending climate-related loans with interest rates that are not typical for aid projects. Between 2018 and 2023, these countries loaned at least $18 billion at market rates.

• Japan: $10.2 billion
• France: $3.6 billion
• Germany: $1.9 billion
• United States: $1.5 billion

These loans contrast with the standard practice for climate aid, which usually involves low or zero-interest rates. This financial strategy not only ensures the return of principal but also generates significant interest income for the lending nations.

Tied Aid and Economic Gains

In addition to loans, at least $11 billion in loans from Japan and $10.6 billion in grants from 24 countries and the European Union were found to require recipient nations to hire or purchase materials from companies in the lending countries. This practice, known as tied aid, essentially channels the financial assistance back to the donor country’s economy, undermining the purpose of the aid.

Key Players and Beneficiaries

1. Japan: A leading lender with $10.2 billion in market-rate loans and $11 billion in tied aid, Japan has strategically positioned its businesses to benefit from climate aid contracts.
2. France: With $3.6 billion in market-rate loans, France has similarly ensured that its companies are integral to the execution of funded projects in recipient countries.
3. Germany and the United States: These nations have also employed market-rate loans and tied aid, ensuring economic benefits for their domestic industries.

Consequences for Developing Nations

This funding model has several adverse effects on the intended beneficiaries:

• Increased Debt Burden: Developing nations are incurring significant debt at market interest rates, straining their financial resources.
• Economic Dependency: Tied aid perpetuates dependency on donor countries, stifling the development of local industries and expertise.
• Inequitable Distribution: The primary beneficiaries of the climate aid program are the wealthy nations and their companies, rather than the countries grappling with climate change impacts.

Expert Insights

Climate finance experts and activists have criticized this approach. According to Joseph Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate in economics, “The current structure of climate finance is fundamentally flawed. It perpetuates economic inequalities and undermines the very goal of helping vulnerable nations adapt to climate change.”

Marie Toussaint, a French Member of the European Parliament, adds, “The promise of climate aid was to address historical injustices. What we are seeing instead is a system that benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor.”

Potential Solutions and Future Directions

To address these issues, several reforms are proposed:

1. Unconditional Grants: Climate aid should primarily be in the form of unconditional grants, not loans, to avoid increasing the debt burden on developing nations.
2. Local Procurement: Aid programs should prioritize local procurement to foster economic growth and self-reliance in recipient countries.
3. Transparent Monitoring: Enhanced transparency and monitoring mechanisms are needed to ensure that climate funds are used effectively and equitably.
4. International Cooperation: Greater international cooperation and coordination are essential to create a fair and effective climate finance system.

Conclusion

The investigation into climate finance reveals a troubling reality where wealthy nations profit from aid meant to assist developing countries. By attaching financial strings and economic conditions, these nations are turning a noble pledge into a self-serving enterprise. Addressing these issues requires significant reforms and a genuine commitment to climate justice.

Final Thoughts

As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, it is imperative that the international community revisits its approach to climate finance. Ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, without strings attached, is not just a matter of fairness but a necessity for global sustainability and resilience.