Somalia: Corruption and anti-corruption

This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.

Query

Please provide an overview of the recent corruption and anti-corruption developments in Somalia.

Summary

Somalia remains a fragile state, largely due to its ongoing internal conflict. Corruption is deeply entrenched and continues to exacerbate existing challenges in the country, particularly in a context where institution building and public service delivery are weak and the population faces an ongoing humanitarian crisis. While conflict remains a key driver of corruption, it is also sustained through clan-based patronage systems and the lack of incentives for various actors to commit to stronger governance of the country’s resources and public finances

Contents

1. Background
   1. Extent of corruption
2. Forms of corruption
   1. Bribery
   2. Misuse and misappropriation of public funds
   3. Public procurement
   4. Land corruption
   5. State capture
3. Drivers of corruption
   1. Political instability and conflict
   2. Clan-based patronage systems
   3. Weak internal controls in the public sector
4. Anti-corruption institutional framework
   1. Donor funded anti-corruption initiatives in Somalia
5. References

Authors

Caitlin Maslen

Reviewers

Thomas Shipley

Daniel Sejerøe Hausenkamph (U4)

Date

16/02/2026

Tags