Mogadishu (WDN)- In a surprising development, a legal and administrative dispute within Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission has been formally referred to the Auditor General of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Several members of the Commission have submitted a request seen by WardheerNews, for investigation, raising concerns over recent decisions taken just days after the election of new leadership.

According to the complaint, senior appointments made on February 7, 2026—only two days after the leadership vote—were allegedly carried out without full consultation among commissioners. The complainants also question whether quorum requirements were properly met and whether certain decisions meet legal standards.

The members argue that Law No. 16 of June 27, 2016, along with constitutional provisions safeguarding the independence of national commissions, requires transparency, open competition, and collective decision-making.

However, the most contentious issue appears to be financial management.

In a statement issued by some commissioners, it was alleged that meetings were held with the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General regarding the activation of the Commission’s budget and the opening of bank accounts. Some of these accounts, they claim, may have been processed outside the established Central Bank framework.

Several commissioners reportedly objected strongly, insisting that all public funds must be handled strictly within the national financial system to prevent potential misuse or abuse of authority.

National financial institutions, including the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General, are said to have responded cautiously. According to the statement, they have requested formal proof of a valid quorum, an authorized Commission resolution, and approved signatories before processing any funds.

As a result, the opening of accounts and movement of funds has reportedly been temporarily suspended.

The complaint submitted to the Auditor General calls for a comprehensive legal and financial review to determine whether the steps taken comply with the Constitution, public financial management laws, and the Commission’s governing statute.

The commissioners who filed the request maintain that their aim is not confrontation, but the protection of the Commission’s legality, credibility, and independence—ensuring it operates with full transparency and accountability.

The unfolding dispute has raised eyebrows, particularly given the Commission’s mandate to uphold rights, integrity, and institutional trust at the national level.

WardheerNews