MOGADISHU, Somalia — Inside Somalia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, a scandal is unfolding over misuse and coercion in donor-funded programs, including World Bank-backed social protection initiatives.
Multiple ministry employees described what they called a pattern of misconduct involving Director General Mohamed Saney Dalmar, citing disruptions in externally funded projects, including canceled activities, delayed salary payments, and pressure on staff managing implementation.
The projects affected are among social protection initiatives funded by international partners, including the World Bank-supported BOOST-You program, formerly known as Baxnaano, as well as the SAGAL project, several employees said.
Dalmar has openly dismissed established financial controls, an employee said.
“He defies financial management, procurement and accountability standards that donors have established,” the employee said, adding that there is growing fear among staff.
“People are being told their jobs depend on compliance with his demands.”
He said the alleged pressure has fostered intimidation inside the ministry, with employees are being pressured to follow directives they believe violate established procedures.
Another staff member said internal operations have been severely disrupted.
“The work of the ministry has been effectively paralysed,” the employee said. “Some colleagues complied with what they believed were improper instructions because they feared losing their jobs or being punished.”
Staff also alleged that ongoing donor-funded programs, particularly SAGAL, are now at risk.
They claim that employees involved in implementation have faced threats of salary suspension, demotion or removal from work-related assignments if they refuse to comply with directives linked to project management and procurement decisions.
Some officials further alleged that the director general has claimed protection from a senior government figure, which they say has contributed to a perception of limited accountability. Those claims could not be independently verified.
“He has said there is a senior official shielding him from accountability and that he has full freedom to act without consequences,” one official said. “Staff are being told they will face punishment if they do not comply.”
The allegations come amid Somalia’s broader efforts to strengthen governance and improve transparency in public institutions, particularly in sectors heavily supported by international donors.
A senior government official, who previously worked with Dalmar at the Ministry of Commerce, said the concerns reflected a recurring pattern of behavior.
“We all knew this behavior from his previous posting,” the official said. “It risks undermining trust in donor-funded programs and weakens confidence in public financial management.”
The official added that similar concerns had been raised during Dalmar’s earlier assignments in other ministries, suggesting continuity in the alleged conduct.
Governance analysts warn that disputes involving senior public officials and donor-funded programs could have wider implications for Somalia’s institutional credibility and relations with development partners.
They say transparency, accountability and effective oversight remain essential to ensuring that aid-funded programs are implemented properly and reach intended beneficiaries.
One legal expert called for urgent action by oversight institutions.
“There must be a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into these allegations,” the expert said, urging authorities to apply corrective measures in accordance with the law.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has not publicly responded to the allegations.
