Saturday June 26, 2021

HARGEISA (HOL) - Close to $60 million meant for Somaliland from the World Bank remains frozen owing to differences between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, Somaliland President Muse Bihi has said.

"Today, nearly $ 60 million which the World Bank allocated to Somaliland during the four years of Farmajo's government remain frozen,” Bihi said.

The Somaliland leader said his administration informed the World Bank that ‘we have nothing to do with these people (Somalia)’ and that they should send the funds without going through Mogadishu.

"We reiterated that whoever wants to help or support us should have direct contact with us. We have nothing to do with what is sent through Somalia; let them (Somalia) have it.”

Most donor funding meant for Somaliland is normally channelled through the Federal Government but the break-away region has sought to have the funds transmitted directly.

In October 2020, Somaliland announced it was suspending cooperation with the UN following the signing of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the UN and Somalia.

The agreement noted that all support meant for Somaliland would go through the Federal Government.