Jigjiga (WDN)– A member of the Somali Regional State Parliament representing the community of Daakhato in Babille district has sharply criticized the regional administration, led by President Mustafa Omer, for awarding mining contracts that exploit local natural resources without delivering any tangible benefits to the community.

MP Faisal Omar, in a strongly worded article published on WardheerNews, denounced what he described as unlawful and exploitative practices in the extraction of marble and granite from the Daakhato area. He condemned both the regional leadership and the contracted company, Wabi Marble and Granite Company, based in Dire Dawa, for bypassing legal procedures, ignoring community consultation, and violating constitutional and human rights.

“The Daakhato communities yearn for development,” MP Faisal wrote. “However, they see no public benefit for their community in projects that bypass the law, ignore the people’s voice, and violate constitutional and human rights.”

According to the MP, local residents have submitted repeated formal complaints to Somali Regional State authorities over the project. Yet, their appeals have been systematically ignored. The central grievance centers on what MP Faisal alleges is the illegal extraction of marble-like stone by Wabi Marble, which has begun operations in the area without local consent or legal transparency.

As of now, neither the Somali Region administration nor the Wabi Marble and Granite Company has responded to the allegations or provided any clarification regarding the legality or terms of the contracts.

The issue is rapidly gaining attention, as critics say it reflects a broader pattern of extractive projects in the Somali region that operate with limited oversight and minimal local benefit. Community leaders are calling for immediate intervention and a thorough investigation into the contractual process, environmental impact, and potential human rights violations associated with the project.

WardheerNews