Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Corruption Without Consequence: Mustafe Omers Administration Shields a Politically Backed Construction Giant
By: Azim Hussein
In an alarming show of political impunity, Maakib Construction Companya firm widely criticized for corruption, incompetence, and repeated project failureshas secured government contracts totaling more than 21 billion birr over the past five years.
This staggering figure has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of public procurement under the leadership of Somali Region President Mustafe Omer.
Despite a well-documented record of delayed timelines, substandard construction, and unfulfilled contracts, Maakib continues to win high-value public projects. Industry experts confirm that the company lacks both the technical capacity and reputation required to execute major infrastructure work.
Its continued success is attributed not to merit, but to political patronage and influence
peddling behind closed doors.
According to multiple credible sources, Maakib Construction is secretly controlled by cabinet minister Hussein Qaasim.
Though officially registered under a proxy name, it is widely believed that
Qaasim is the true owneroperating the company from behind the scenes to funnel public money into private hands. If proven true, this constitutes a blatant conflict of interest and a gross abuse of public office.
This arrangement, enabled by a lack of independent oversight and a culture of institutional silence,represents a serious betrayal of the public trust. Instead of investing taxpayer money in legitimate development efforts, state resources are being channeled into a politically connected shell company, undermining both governance and progress.
Whats perhaps most concerning is the utter lack of accountability. Mustafe Omers administration has taken no meaningful steps to investigate or penalize those involved, despite clear signs of wrongdoing and growing public demand for transparency. This silence, whether due to complicity or negligence, only emboldens corruption further.
The people of the Somali Region deserve a government that acts in the public interestnot one that protects the corrupt and punishes the honest. As long as companies like Maakib continue to profit from insider deals, and powerful individuals like Hussein Qaasim operate with impunity, true
development will remain a distant dream.
It is now up to oversight institutions, civil society, journalists, and citizens to demand immediate and
decisive action. Maakib Construction must be disqualified from receiving public funds, and a full,
independent investigation into Minister Qaasims alleged involvement must be launched.
Accountability is not optional. Governance without it is nothing more than exploitation. The time to act is now
Azim Hussein is a freelance writer and governance advocate based in Jigjiga Somali region.
Azim Hussein
Email:azim29269@gmail.com
