By Warsame Digital Media | March 6, 2025

Mogadishu, Somalia — A growing corruption scandal has implicated Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Faqi and the Somali ambassador to China, following revelations of financial discrepancies in a Chinese-funded project to construct an Expatriate Affairs Management Center in Mogadishu.

The controversy erupted after Minister Faqi publicly celebrated the laying of the centre’s foundation stone on February 28, hailing the initiative as a “milestone for diaspora engagement.”  According to a high-ranking former diplomat with direct knowledge of the negotiations, who spoke anonymously due to fears of reprisal, China donated one million USD for the center’s construction. Shockingly, the Foreign Ministry reportedly contracted a local firm to execute the project for just a fraction of the donated money of only $200,000, with sources claiming the remaining $800,000 was embezzled by Faqi and Somalia’s ambassador to Beijing.

Key Questions and Silence from Authorities

The Somali government has yet to address the allegations, despite mounting pressure from civil society and opposition lawmakers. Transparency advocates are demanding an independent audit, citing Somalia’s notorious history of graft. The country remains entrenched near the bottom of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), ranking 180th out of 183 nations in the 2024 report. Weak oversight mechanisms and systemic mismanagement of public resources have long hindered development and eroded trust in state institutions.

“This case epitomizes why Somalia struggles to attract transparent foreign investment,” says an official of the Somali Anti-Corruption Forum. “Donors cannot trust funds will reach their intended purpose without third-party accountability.”

Geopolitical Implications

China’s involvement adds complexity to the scandal. Beijing has significantly expanded its infrastructure investments in Somalia in recent years, including ports and energy projects tied to its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). While the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu has not commented, analysts warn the allegations could strain bilateral relations if evidence of misuse emerges.

“China prioritizes stability in its partnerships, but corruption scandals risk deterring future collaborations,” noted regional economists. “Somalia’s government must act swiftly to investigate—or risk losing critical foreign aid.”

Calls for Accountability

Opposition leaders and grassroots activists are urging President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to suspend Minister Faqi and Ambassador to China, pending a formal inquiry. “This isn’t just about stolen money; it’s about the moral decay undermining Somalia’s recovery,” said one lawmaker.

The scandal also reignites debates over Somalia’s reliance on foreign aid, which constitutes over 70% of its national budget. Critics argue that without robust anti-corruption frameworks, donor funds will continue to vanish into private pockets.

What’s Next?

As public outrage grows, international partners, including the UN and African Union, face pressure to condition future aid on stricter transparency measures. For now, all eyes are on Somalia’s judiciary and the Office of the Auditor General to pursue accountability—a test of whether the nation can transition from rhetoric to action in its fight against graft.

Updates to follow as this story develops.

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Warsame Digital Media is committed to ethical reporting. All allegations have been rigorously cross-checked with multiple sources. We withhold certain details to protect whistleblowers’ identities.