Somalia nullifies shady agreement with UAE-based logistics firm

[Deeq A.]

The Somali government has cancelled a logistics agreement between it’s Defense Ministry and SKA, a Dubai-based Private company.

In a statement, Deputy Somali Minister, Abdirahman Yunis Iidan declared the logistics contract with the SKA as null and void.

“As asserted by Minister for Finance, Abdirahman Duale Beileh, such agreements with privately owned companies without procurement process is null and void,” said Iidan.

The ministry noted in the statement that the agreement will be discussed at the cabinet meeting which is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

“The government has started investigation aimed at understanding how it (the contract) came about, the procurement process followed during the signing of the so-called agreement with SKA. the conclusion of the investigations will be tabled before the cabinet during the next weekly meeting (today),” reads the statement.

SKA operates the Somali Risk Management (SRM) which describes itself as a security company.

VOA Somali published details of the surreptitious deal inked by the immediate former Defense Minister, MohamedMursal Sheikh together with Somali National Army  (SNA) chief, Abdiweli Jama’a on behalf of the Somali government.

Through its programme ‘Investigative Dossier’, VOA Somali said the contract it was agreed that the Somali National Army would offer logistic support to UAE, Somali government and other forces.

“The Somali Defense Minister Mohamed Mursal and army Chief Gen Abdiweli Jama Gorod have entered a contract with a private company, requiring SNA to escort logistics to Govt forces, AMISOM and other troops but contract doesn’t cover if soldiers are killed, and cargo not ensured.” the Investigative Dossier said in a Twitter post.

Source: Hol