Hiiraan Online
Sunday December 24, 2017
Mogadishu (HOL) - The United Nations has commended Somalia's recent adoption of the federal budget terming it a milestone in the country's economic development which recovering from more two decades of war.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Michael Keating said the move brought one step closer to gaining access to funds from International institutions.
“This is a sign of just how far Somalia has come over the past few years – it’s getting closer to being able to stand on its feet financially, like most other members of the international community. Once key reforms and revenue collection measures are working, Somalia will be able to receive grants and concessional funding from international financial institutions, instead of relying so heavily on donors for its financial needs,” said Keating.
He pointed out that the move could improve social amenities.
“What this means for the Somalis on the street is the real prospect of more schools, hospitals and other much-needed infrastructure as the government will be able to borrow money at fair interest rates on international markets,” he noted, adding, “It’s also a sign of growing stability, and the previous and current governments should be commended for their efforts in reaching this point.”
The envoy called on the country’s leaders to ensure that next years assessment of Somalia’s progress is a positive one, with any political differences resolved through dialogue and a spirit of goodwill.
“Political stability can only help Somalia in this regard,” he said. “It will help attract both public and private investment, and reinforce the country’s progress towards financial empowerment
Somali parliament approved the country's 2018 budget which reaches $274 million including $ 20-25 million raised through domestic tax collection.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Somalia owes $5.2 billion to its international creditors. It has been unable to service its foreign debt since civil war broke out in 1991.
The $274 million package is a significant step towards meeting the fiscal reform requirements of the IMF’s ‘Staff-Monitored Program’ (SMP) for the east African country.
The SMP is designed to foster economic reconstruction efforts and enable countries to establish a track record of policy and reform implementation. Somalia had already completed its first SMP in 2016-2017.
“We are encouraged by the authorities’ commitment and by the pace of reforms to restore key economic and financial institutions, and welcome their efforts to keep the program on track,” the IMF said in a news release following its meeting with Somali authorities last week. “The authorities’ performance under the SMP through September 2017 was broadly satisfactory.”
A final decision on Somalia’s compliance with the requirements of the SMP for 2017 will be made by the IMF next year, and negotiations will be initiated on a follow-on SMP.