London (UM) – The Prime Minister has yesterday made a crucial step for public service by announcing an open and transparent civil service recruitment processes for the different positions of Director General within Somali Federal Government. This is a much-needed intervention that formed part of a comprehensive public-sector reform in Somalia based on the commitment and pledge made by the current government when they came into power. It is also testimony that SFG is able to listen and take advice where appropriate as Ummadda Media has on 8th October stipulated in an article for a call of public service reform.
The new taskforce will be spearheaded by the deputy prime minister Mahdi Mohamed Guuleed and selected members from the civil society to robustly oversee the recruitment and vetting process of the Director General (DG) positions which is very critical for a post conflict recovering nation.
This is a major marked step in the right direction and a contrast to a public and private perception that a culture of nepotism and favouritism underscored the recruitment and selection of public service jobs in Somalia, further frustrated by the 4.5 power-sharing formula which became a guiding principle for previous governments. These reforms are intended to change the chronic culture and attract the best and brightest capable professionals for public service delivery in Somalia. This can only encourage the restoration of trust and confidence in the most talented and competent civil servant to rightfully lead government department positions and functions in the pursuit of public service provision.
This is a timely and a crucial step for the governance of Somalia at this critical juncture. The current administration is to be credited for realising this monumental change for this much needed reform. If this a reflection of NABAD & NOLOL, Somalia will be much stronger and in heading in the right direction.
