SOMALIA: Puntland Minister Denies Federal Aid Claims, Accuses SoDMA of Corruption

GAROWE, Somalia – Puntland’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ubah Abdirashid, has dismissed recent claims by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) that it had sent aid shipments to Puntland. In a strongly worded statement, Minister Ubax accused the federal agency of fabricating the claims and criticized it for alleged mismanagement and corruption in the distribution of humanitarian aid.

“There is no aid that has been delivered to Puntland by SoDMA,” said Minister Ubax. “Their claims are baseless and an insult to the trust placed in them by donors and international partners.”

The minister further accused the Federal Government of Somalia of politicizing humanitarian efforts intended to assist drought-stricken and displaced communities, stating that such actions undermine the spirit of humanitarianism.

“We must make it clear that aid meant for Puntland has not reached its intended recipients. SoDMA continues to divert assistance and mismanage funds allocated for those in need,” she said, urging international organizations and donor countries to bypass federal agencies and directly channel aid to Puntland.

Ubah expressed frustration over repeated instances where Puntland’s name has been included in lists of federal aid beneficiaries, despite the region not receiving any assistance. She alleged that such practices allow funds and resources to be misappropriated, depriving vulnerable populations of the help they desperately need.

The controversy follows recent comments by SoDMA Director-General Mohamed Maareey, who claimed that bulldozers provided by the World Bank for Somali farmers included two machines sent to Puntland. However, Puntland’s Ministry of Agriculture denied any knowledge of the equipment, suggesting the aid was redirected elsewhere.

Minister Ubah’s remarks highlight growing tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government over the handling of international aid, with Puntland repeatedly calling for greater autonomy in managing resources allocated to the region.

The minister concluded her statement by calling on international donors to respect Puntland’s right to independently manage aid and avoid relying on federal institutions accused of corruption and inefficiency.

GAROWE ONLINE