Qalin News – Mogadishu:
Following the recent suspension of the World Bank-funded Damalcaafimaad project in Middle Shabelle by the Hirshabelle State Ministry of Health, under the authority of President Ali Guudlaawe, Qalin News Network launched a thorough investigation to uncover the facts behind the dispute between the project’s implementing agency, ALIGHT (formerly the American Refugee Committee), and the Hirshabelle State Government. As part of our commitment to journalistic integrity, Qalin News always investigates both sides of a story to ensure balanced and accurate reporting, particularly when public allegations are made.
Our in-depth investigation revealed that certain state government officials have been obstructing the project’s implementation over the past 12 months, even before the project’s commencement. This directly undermines claims that the suspension was due to poor performance by ALIGHT.
During our independent investigation, we reviewed crucial documents, including email correspondence dating back to September 2023, which detailed the challenges that ultimately led to the project’s suspension. Although we are unable to publish these documents for privacy reasons, our editorial board has reviewed them in detail with the utmost professionalism.
The email exchanges make it clear that the Hirshabelle Ministry of Health pressured ALIGHT to subcontract a local NGO, which lacked any relevant track record, expertise, or operational profile. ALIGHT, citing concerns about transparency and performance standards, refused this request. Local project officials further revealed that, over the course of the last year, ALIGHT faced multiple threats of project suspension if they did not agree to a subgrant with an NGO owned by a relative of a high-ranking official.
Contrary to the Ministry’s public claims that the project was suspended due to poor performance, internal communications reviewed by Qalin News tell a different story. As recently as June 2024, ALIGHT was commended by the very same authorities for its exemplary performance in the region.
A source close to the Hirshabelle State Government confirmed to Qalin that the suspension of Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) activities in the region was directly linked to disputes over subgrants and ALIGHT’s refusal to bypass proper procedures. One of the organizations involved, SOHA, is reportedly managed by a relative of the State President.
According to sources within the project, former State Health Minister Mohamed Khalif was dismissed from his role due to his refusal to pressure ALIGHT into conceding to these demands. His successor has since been placed under intense pressure, resulting in the suspension of the project, which now endangers the livelihoods of over 700 local employees and puts vulnerable populations, particularly mothers and children, at significant health risk.
This decision by the Hirshabelle State Government adds to the broader challenges facing Somalia’s health sector, including issues of governance, financing, and coordination among health service providers. The suspension comes at a critical time, as the country’s health system remains fragmented, and the EPHS, established in 2013, has struggled to achieve full coverage. This disruption threatens to severely impact efforts towards universal health coverage and poses serious risks to the region’s most vulnerable communities.
The current situation remains precarious, with potential repercussions for the project’s resources and the safety of ALIGHT personnel on the ground. Reports from the ground indicate that ALIGHT staff stationed in Jowhar have been detained, raising concerns about the diversion of aid and the broader safety of humanitarian efforts in the region.
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