MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Yusuf Abdirahman Samatar, is yet embroiled in an ongoing controversy over allegations of financial mismanagement, abuse of authority and efforts to divert donor funds meant to strengthen Somalia’s response to climate change, multiple sources have revealed.
Confidential sources within the ministry indicate that DG Samatar played a key role in proposing and pushing for the removal of the Finance and Administration Director of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, a move seen as a strategic attempt to consolidate control over financial resources. According to insiders, the former finance and admin director was viewed as an obstacle to plans to divert donor funds. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Bashir Mohamed Jama, approved the removal after DG Samatar convinced him that retaining the official would hinder necessary “budgetary reallocations” for senior figures within the ministry. A source within the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “This is the first and only change in the ministry so far and it speaks volumes. It’s clear this restructuring is more about financial control than improving institutional effectiveness.” Another official added, “This change is directly affecting the fiduciary trust of the ministry, as it raises concerns about financial mismanagement and accountability.”
In a broader scheme, DG Samatar has allegedly been trying to gain influence over the Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia (Ugbaad) Project, a Green Climate Fund (GCF)-approved initiative implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Sources say he has been lobbying for additional funds to be allocated to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, well beyond what was originally agreed upon by the GCF, while also seeking exclusive control over the GCF funds that FAO is soon expected to disburse to the Ministry. Moreover, the DG has been questioning the appointment process of the project coordinator for the Ugbaad Project by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, reportedly insisting that the individual was “handpicked” and appointed based on “nepotism” rather than “merit” and the rules of GCF and FAO in recruiting such a senior project figure. A source fully aware of the matter in the ministry revealed that he is secretly pushing for the selection of this post to be reopened and be based on open “competition” and “competence”. However, an insider disclosed that this criticism is likely a tactic to push for a new selection process, allowing the DG to influence the appointment and secure personal gains.
“He’s not fighting nepotism or mismanagement. He’s trying to insert himself into the process to control the funds,” said a ministry official who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.
Similarly, the DG is reportedly interfering in a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) project, using aggressive tactics to influence its structure and funding distribution. The project, currently in its design phase and backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is being closely monitored. According to sources, he is lobbying for modifications to the project structure to channel funds toward himself and select senior officials. Reports suggest that he has used intimidation tactics, including threats that projects will be cancelled unless they conform to ministry directives. Sources further indicate that he frequently employs phrases such as “national priority”, “This will not be accepted by the Minister”, “This is a directive from the Minister” and “If you don’t do as we want, this project will be cancelled” to pressure and intimidate UN staff and other stakeholders into compliance.
Beyond FAO and UNIDO projects, DG Samatar is allegedly attempting to exert control over initiatives led by UNEP, WFP and UNDP, all of which are planning climate-related interventions in Somalia. Ministry insiders claim that he has been pushing for the inclusion of organisations that could serve as conduits for siphoning funds. In some instances, he has held private, closed-door meetings with UN agency representatives, excluding other ministry officials from discussions or even going alone to meetings in Halane. One particularly contentious issue is his reported effort to remove Save the Children as the executing organisation for an upcoming UNEP project, insisting on appointing a different entity and labelling Save the Children as “uncooperative”. The real reason behind this move remains unclear, but sources suggest it is part of a larger effort to control project implementation and financial flows.
Discontent is reportedly growing within the ministry, with staff hesitant to speak openly for fear of reprisal. “The suspicion inside the ministry is too much. These days, staff rarely talk openly to avoid revenge from the DG. But what we’re all silently asking ourselves is – why is the DG suddenly so obsessed with chasing project funds instead of focusing on climate change policies that could help vulnerable communities?” said one frustrated director. Meanwhile, as pressure mounts on DG Samatar, sources indicate that further investigations into mismanagement and financial improprieties are underway. Ministry insiders warn that donor confidence is at risk, with Somalia potentially jeopardising future funding if reports of financial misconduct, coercing partners and attempts to divert donor funds are not addressed.
Shabelle will continue investigating allegations of financial mismanagement, intimidation of partners and what appears to be a deliberate attempt to misuse resources meant to support Somalia’s environmental and climate resilience efforts.
