EXPLOSIVE: Somali MP Exposes Million-Dollar Corruption Scandal as Soldiers Starve While Officials Feast

Leaked parliamentary letter reveals shocking misuse of military funds, lavish presidential trips, and fake contractor schemes

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A bombshell letter from a prominent Somali parliamentarian has blown the lid off what may be one of the most damning corruption scandals in Somalia’s recent history, alleging that millions of dollars meant for the country’s starving soldiers are being systematically stolen by top government officials living in luxury.

Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib, a Member of Parliament representing the Awdal Region, released a scathing public letter exposing what he calls a “grotesque misuse of power” that has left Somalia’s National Army underpaid and under-equipped while senior officials allegedly pocket millions through fraudulent schemes.

The Shocking Numbers

According to the explosive document, obtained by this reporter, the allegations paint a picture of breathtaking financial abuse:

• $246,859 spent on a single two-day presidential trip
• $415,000 blown on a four-day journey to New York
• $902,557 paid to a construction company for undisclosed purposes
• $189,455 spent on just one dinner for the President of Djibouti
• $194,000 to “fix” the president’s vehicle
• $150,000 for a 30-minute helicopter ride by the Prime Minister

Meanwhile, soldiers on the front lines reportedly struggle to feed their families on meager wages while facing down terrorist threats and regional instability.

Fake Contractors, Real Theft

Perhaps most damning are the allegations of systematic fraud through shell companies allegedly created to siphon military funds. The letter identifies several firms receiving massive monthly payments:

• Luqman Petroleum Co. Ltd: $39,732 monthly
• Daljir Trading and General Service: $95,637 monthly
• Mogadishu Guest House Restaurant: $33,945 monthly
• DEH Construction and Logistics Co. Ltd: $48,189 monthly

Dr. Abib alleges these companies are “fake contractors” providing little to no actual services while enriching politically connected individuals.

International Funding Frozen

The corruption allegations have reportedly had devastating consequences for Somalia’s military capabilities. According to the MP’s letter, the United States government has suspended funding for Somalia’s military due to concerns that money designated for soldiers is being systematically stolen.

“Our most important international partner no longer trusts this government to deliver money to our own soldiers. Because it disappears. Because it’s stolen,” Dr. Abib wrote in his fiery condemnation.

Minister of Defense Under Fire

The parliamentarian reserves his harshest criticism for Somalia’s Minister of Defense, whom he accuses of betraying the military’s neutrality and becoming “nothing more than a megaphone for Villa Somalia’s political agenda.”

The letter alleges the Defense Minister now threatens to dismiss soldiers who protect opposition leaders, despite those same soldiers previously protecting him when he was in opposition.

A Parliamentary Battle Brewing

Dr. Abib, who leads the Accountability and Transparency Caucus in Parliament, vows to introduce legislation that would:

• Raise soldier salaries to $1,000 per month
• Provide free education for military families
• Ensure full medical care for service members
• Slash government luxury spending by 50%
• Cancel contracts with alleged fraudulent companies

The MP claims these reforms would recover over $350 million annually – enough to dramatically improve conditions for Somalia’s military personnel.

Government Response Awaited

As of publication, neither Villa Somalia, the Prime Minister’s office, nor the Ministry of Defense has responded to requests for comment on these explosive allegations.

The revelations come at a critical time for Somalia, which continues to battle the Al-Shabaab terrorist group while working to build stable democratic institutions. If proven true, the allegations could represent one of the most significant corruption scandals in the Horn of Africa nation’s recent history.

Dr. Abib’s letter concludes with a direct appeal to soldiers: “You serve Somalia. Somalia must serve you back.”

The international community will be watching closely to see how Somalia’s government responds to these damning accusations, and whether meaningful reforms will follow to address what the MP describes as a “betrayal of national duty.”

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.