Addis Ababa — Leaked documents have surfaced implicating Dr. Hussein Hashi Kasim, the Chief of Cabinet of the Somali Region in Ethiopia, in a possible financial scandal involving a reimbursement request for his education expenses. According to documents seen by the Horn Examiner, Dr. Kasim submitted an invoice demanding reimbursement of university fees for a Canadian institution he attended nearly a decade before assuming his current role and while in exile in Canada.
The Office of the President of the Somali State to which the senior official’s request was addressed has reportedly approved the reimbursement request and authorized a commercial bank in Ethiopia to transfer more than $64,000 from the state budget to his personal account in Canada.
Government officials argue that the money should have been sent directly to the university, suggesting that Dr. Kasim may be personally benefiting from the transaction.
Meanwhile, the transaction has sparked outrage among the public, who question Dr. Kasim’s use of taxpayer money for his own education and courses taken at an overseas institution.
Ahmed Hassan Baaji, the Chairman of the Congress for Somali Cause and a prominent opposition figure, has confirmed the report and accused Dr. Kasim of engaging in gross corruption and financial misconduct. Baaji has also raised questions about the legitimacy of the claim and whether proper protocols were followed in approving such a large sum.
“Greed, impunity, and outright stupidity never fail to amaze us. This time- reimburmbsement for a university he finished a decade ago! What’s next?” , he argued.
Dr. Kasim could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. The Office of the President of the Somali State Mustafa Muhumed Omar also declined to issue a statement regarding the matter. However, the matter has since attracted the attention of the Ethiopian Federal Government which has launched an investigation into the allegations.
The probe involving officers from the financial crime unit and the Ministry of Finance has started with an aim to uncover the full extent of the situation and determine whether Dr. Kasim’s actions constitute a breach of trust and ethical standards.
However, opposition parties and civil society groups are calling for an independent investigation into the matter, arguing that the Hussein Kasim’s actions raise concerns about transparency and accountability within the government.
The Regional Presidency has yet to provide any explanation of the transaction. In the meantime, public confidence in the official’s leadership continues to wane as the controversy unfolds.
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