Somalia PM: States Lack Accountability, Defends Federal Authority

By Shire Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 13 April 2026 Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has said federal member states lack sufficient accountability, while defending the central government authority and urging stronger governance standards.

He made the remarks during a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army (SNA) held at the Villa Baidoa Logistics Command headquarters in Mogadishu on Sunday.

“I am certain of one thing: if you carefully examine the relationship between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states, you will find that the federal government operates on the basis of national interest,” Barre said.

He described the federal government as the “legitimate authority” representing all Somalis, saying it is accountable to parliament, citizens, and international partners, and must fully justify public spending and administrative decisions.

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“In every matter, including law enforcement decisions such as detentions, justification is required,” he said.

The prime minister contrasted this with federal member states, saying they are not consistently held to the same level of financial and administrative accountability, particularly in how public funds are used and reported.

He also alleged that some regional authorities take unilateral decisions without coordination with the federal government, including on sensitive national issues.

The remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and regional administrations over power-sharing, governance, and resource control.