January 15th 2025, Mogadishu: The Auditor General (AG) of the Federal Republic of Somalia (FRS), H.E. Ahmed Isse Gutale, underscored the critical need for modernizing Somalia’s judiciary during his address at the 7th National Annual Judicial Conference held in Mogadishu.
In his remarks, he stressed the importance of collaboration between judicial institutions and the Office of the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia (OAGS), emphasizing that strengthening the judiciary is a key component in advancing Somalia’s governance.
“The Office of the Auditor General is among the government institutions that work closely with the judiciary, as outlined in Law No. 14 of the Office of the Auditor General of Somalia. This law sets the framework for cooperation between the Office of the Auditor General, the judiciary, and other government bodies,” AG Gutale explained.
He mentioned that the lack of specialization in our courts has resulted in stolen assets being adjudicated, with individuals convicted of misappropriation continuing to burden the government with incarceration costs due to prolonged legal processes and gaps in the legal framework.
During his speech, The Auditor General proposed the establishment of specialized court divisions to address specific types of cases such as financial crimes, money laundering, taxation disputes, cybercrimes, and environmental violations. These specialized courts would not only improve the efficiency of the judicial system but also create valuable employment opportunities for graduates, addressing issues of unemployment and delays in case resolution as well as strengthening the rule of law.
The Auditor General also called for Somalia’s judiciary to strengthen partnerships with regional and international counterparts to tackle challenges such as the misappropriation of public resources and cross-border justice issues. He urged the Ministry of Justice to play a more proactive role in fostering international cooperation to prevent stolen assets from leaving Somalia’s jurisdiction.
AG Gutale emphasized the transformative impact of the recent enactment of Law No. 14 of 2023, which significantly broadens the responsibilities of the OAGS. The law empowers the OAGS to perform a wide range of audits, including financial, compliance, performance, forensic and information systems audits, which are vital for promoting transparency and accountability across government operations in Somalia.
Additionally, he emphasized the Office’s strategic commitment to investing in the continued professional development of its auditors and management through certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Senior Leadership Development Programs (SLDP), and others. This investment has significantly enhanced the capabilities of OAGS personnel in upholding high standards of integrity and oversight. He suggested that the justice sector consider a similar approach for its lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to effectively contribute to Somalia’s governance and legal framework.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of collective progress for Somalia’s government, noting that these advancements are not only critical for strengthening institutional frameworks but also essential for fostering a united and accountable governance system that benefits all citizens.
