SOMALIA: Federal Government Continues to Politicize World Bank Projects

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Federal Minister Xayir Maareeye, in a Facebook post responding to Puntland Minister of Agriculture Maxamed Cabdiqaadir Doonyaale, has stated that tractors provided by the Federal Government to farmers in Iskushuban district of Bari region were part of a World Bank-funded project designed to support Somali farmers.

“I have noticed individuals inclined to spread negativity and irresponsible media outlets misinterpreting the Ministry of Agriculture’s document. The document clearly outlines the distribution of 26 tractors donated by the World Bank for Somali farmers under the ONAT Agency. Two of these tractors are designated for Puntland,” Minister Maareeye argued.

This comes amidst widespread debate after Puntland’s Ministry of Agriculture declared it was neither informed about nor involved in the procurement and allocation process of the two tractors reportedly intended for farmers in Iskushuban.

A Puntland Ministry of Agriculture official speaking to Garowe Online questioned the fairness of the distribution, asking, “Is providing Puntland with two tractors from a $28 million World Bank project meant to urgently support Somali farmers justifiable?”

Puntland’s Ministry of Agriculture expressed disappointment over the Federal Government’s lack of transparency regarding the funds used in the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP).

The FSRP project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve natural resource management, and strengthen policies and regulations related to food systems. Puntland’s ministry accused the Federal Government of mixing unrelated projects to mislead the public.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s actions violate Article 53, Clause 1 of the Provisional Constitution, which mandates consultations with Puntland regarding international aid and agreements aimed at improving agricultural systems in its territories,” Puntland’s Ministry stated.

Minister Maareeye highlighted that $16 million was allocated specifically for Puntland. He emphasized this allocation was made considering the region’s unique political challenges and to support its vulnerable farming communities.

The $150 million FSRP funds were distributed as follows: the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, responsible for areas without direct projects, allocated itself $54 million, while Somaliland received $18 million. Each Federal Member State (FMS), including Puntland, was allocated $16 million.

Projects funded by the World Bank are provided on behalf of the Somali people and are subject to strict conditions requiring equitable distribution by the Federal Government to all intended member states. If these conditions are not met, project implementation becomes challenging, as funds are managed through the Central Bank of Somalia via the Federal Ministry of Finance. Minister Maareeye claimed no personal involvement in allocation decisions.

GAROWE ONLINE