The Office of the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia (OAGS) has officially joined the Arab Anti-Corruption and Integrity Network (ACINET), a major step in the country’s efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance. The announcement was made on 23 January 2025, positioning the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Somalia among 53 ministries and specialized agencies from 20 Arab nations, along with two observer members from Brazil and Malaysia, and 25 independent civil society organizations.
ACINET, established in 2008, is the first regional platform in the Arab world that brings together governmental and non-governmental entities to combat corruption and promote integrity. Somalia’s inclusion in this prestigious network reinforces its commitment to strengthening anti-corruption measures, improving oversight, and ensuring the effective management of public resources. The President of ACINET, Dr. Mohamed Ali Al-Lami, welcomed SAI Somalia’s accession, stating:
“We are pleased to have the Office of the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia join ACINET. This membership will not only support Somalia in its anti-corruption efforts but also contribute to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting transparency, and fostering accountability across the Arab region.”
Speaking on this milestone, the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Isse Gutale, emphasized the importance of this membership in the broader fight against corruption.
“I express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to be part of this esteemed network and work together towards our shared goals of integrity and accountability” he said.
He further stated that the OAGS remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard public resources, audit government agencies independently, and promote transparency, as stipulated by Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and Federal Audit Law (Law No. 14, 2023).
“Joining ACINET marks a significant step in our efforts to build strong and accountable state institutions. Through this platform, we will exchange knowledge, adopt best practices, and work collaboratively with regional and international experts to enhance Somalia’s public financial management and anti-corruption mechanisms,” he added.
ACINET serves as a hub for collaboration, facilitating dialogue between governments, civil society, and international organizations. Its secretariat, the Regional Support Unit, is based in Beirut, Lebanon, and operates under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Regional Portfolio on Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Arab Countries (ACIAC).
As Somalia continues to rebuild and reform its public institutions, its participation in ACINET signals a strong commitment to good governance. The OAGS will leverage this membership to enhance its oversight capabilities, access global expertise, and further institutional reforms aimed at tackling corruption, misuse, and mismanagement of public assets/resources.
Finally, this move is expected to bolster public trust in Somalia’s financial and governance systems, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds.
