Oslo, 3rd Sept 2024 – The Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Avv. Ahmed Isse Gutale, recently led a delegation to Oslo, Norway, aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between the Office of the Auditor General of Somalia (OAGS) and international partners. The visit highlighted OAGS’s commitment to fostering global partnerships to advance good governance and accountability.
As part of the visit, the Auditor General and his delegation held a productive meeting with the management team of the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI). Discussions focused on strategic priorities within bilateral support frameworks, particularly in the areas of strategic planning and quality management. The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of the Peer-support Project, a cooperation agreement between OAGS, IDI, and the African Organization of English-speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E). With the current agreement set to conclude in 2024, the meeting included discussions on possible continuity and further strengthening of this partnership in the years to come.
In addition, the delegation engaged with senior representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). These discussions centered around Norway’s continued support for Somalia’s governance reforms and public financial management initiatives. The meetings provided an opportunity to explore areas where Norway’s development assistance could further enhance Somalia’s Federal Government and OAGS’s capacity-building efforts, with a shared focus on fostering sustainable institutional growth and effective resource management. The Auditor General expressed his appreciation for Norway’s ongoing support, stating, “We value Norway’s unwavering commitment to Somalia’s development, and their continued partnership is critical to advancing our governance reforms.”
The visit also included a tour of the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament, where the delegation met with members of the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs. During the meeting, both parties emphasized the shared commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and strong governance practices. The discussions focused on the importance of oversight institutions in ensuring government accountability, and the Auditor General expressed appreciation for the insights gained from Norway’s parliamentary practices in these areas.
This visit not only reinforced OAGS’s international partnerships but also showcased Somalia’s dedication to building a strong governance framework through collaboration with key stakeholders. The continued engagement with institutions such as IDI, the Norwegian MFA, NORAD, and Norway’s Parliament serves as a vital component of OAGS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public financial management and contribute to the overall development of Somalia’s governance structures.
