Fireworks in Parliaments as MPs debate money laundering bill

The finance state minister Abdullahi Mohamed Noor had a hard day in parliament on Monday when MPs questioned his rationality about tabling a bill that they deem to be a burden on the remittances, the lifeline for millions of Somalia.

The minister was asked which university he attended or whether he has fake degrees when he urged MPs to pass the Anti Money Laundry Bill into law.

Mr. Abdullahi explained that Somalia is facing serious problems from financial crimes and mafia who wire millions of dollars to Somalia each year “you know we have terrorists here who wreak havoc in the country, this needs financing, and this is coming from outside, we have remittance firms who wire $130 million US dollars each month, we need to regulate this and know exactly who are the final recipients” said the minister.

Lifeline

One MP, Abdullahi Jamac said that the bill is not a priority for Somalia and that he suspects foreign governments might be pushing from behind.

“We have pandemic corruption in the government, we know public land is been sold, the government has signed 12 deals with foreign companies without the proper procurement process or tender, you need to clean your house before we can speak of remittances and their danger” he said.

Another MP asked the minister where his salary has gone and when is going to be paid, making note that security forces and civil servants were not paid for 5 months.

“The minister (Mohamed Aden Fargeti- Finance minister) was here the other day, he admitted that $22 million US dollars are unaccounted for, $3 million dollars were used for travel allowances, where are we going” asked an MP.

MPs argued that the remittances are the lifeline of millions of Somalia and that now some foreign nations are trying to cut or to squeeze, they urged the government not to follow suit “You are responsible to protect the interest of the people, not be the obstacle” goes one plea.

The minister said it’s up to the parliament to decide on the bill and said it was drafted by 3 ministries, namely, finance, security, interior and justice, together with the central bank.

Goobjoog News