Mogadishu, 21 October 2026 – The Office of the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia (SAI Somalia) has reached a historic milestone in strengthening institutional accountability, following the presentation of findings from its first-ever independent external audit to the Committee on Budget, Finance, Planning, International Cooperation and Financial Oversight of Public Institutions of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.
The independent audit, covering the financial years 2023 and 2024, examined SAI Somalia’s financial management, discharge of statutory responsibilities, and compliance with applicable laws and professional auditing standards. This marks the first time in the institution’s history that its operations have undergone an independent external audit.
The presentation was attended by the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Isse Gutale, the Deputy Auditors General, and members of the Parliamentary Committee, including its Chairperson, Hon. Abdi Ibrahim Warsame (Qowdhan), the Vice Chairperson, and the Committee Secretary.
This milestone represents an important step in implementing Article 31 of the Law of the Office of the Auditor General (Law No. 14 of 2023), which provides for independent external audits every two years to examine the institution’s compliance with applicable national laws, professional standards, and international auditing standards.
As Somalia’s Supreme Audit Institution, SAI Somalia is entrusted with independently examining the management and use of public resources and promoting transparency, accountability, and sound public financial management. Subjecting its own operations to independent external scrutiny reinforces the principle that institutional independence must be accompanied by accountability and effective oversight.
This approach is consistent with the principles of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), particularly those relating to institutional transparency, accountability, good governance, and the responsibility of Supreme Audit Institutions to lead by example.
During the presentation, the Parliamentary Committee received the audit findings, which highlighted institutional progress and identified areas requiring further improvement. Committee members welcomed the milestone and recognized the importance of the independent audit process in strengthening institutional accountability.
The findings and recommendations provide an opportunity for SAI Somalia to address identified weaknesses, strengthen internal governance and controls, and enhance compliance with statutory and professional requirements.
The completion of this first independent external audit represents a significant development in SAI Somalia’s institutional accountability framework. It underscores the Office’s commitment to independent scrutiny, continuous improvement, and accountability for its own performance, while reinforcing public confidence in the integrity and independence of Somalia’s Supreme Audit Institution.
