By Yahya:
Mogadishu, Somalia –
Abdulqadir Ilmi Ali, the Director General of the Federal Government’s Immigration and Naturalization Directorate of Somalia (IND), announced his resignation today.
Yesterday, the Attorney General of Somalia, Suleiman Mohamud Mohamed, raised accusations against 18 Somali government officials believed to be involved in corrupt practices. Abdulqadir Ilmi Ali, also known as Abdul, was among them. He announced his resignation earlier today after delivering it to the Ministry of Internal Security hours after appearing on the Attorney’s list.
Mr Abdul expressed his scepticism about receiving a fair trial, highlighting his concerns about the lack of an impartial judiciary. He has publicly refuted the accusations and maintains his innocence.
During Mr Abdul’s tenure, he claims the agency didn’t manage any income, yet he notes the IND’s revenue rose by 40% under his leadership. Despite the ongoing controversy, Mr Abdul insists his commitment to the rule of law remains steadfast.
Fleeing officials
In June, the Somali Digest reported that high-ranking government officials accused of corruption were allegedly escaping from Mogadishu in the wake of impending arrest warrants.
Sources within law enforcement have suggested these officials were tipped off about their impending arrests, and measures were taken to ensure their safe exit from the capital city. The fact that these officials could abscond under such circumstances casts an alarming light on the integrity of the nation’s legal and law enforcement institutions.
