MP Abdirahman Abdishakur’s Dismissal Of Banaadir Taxpayer’s  Rights Is A Wake-Up Call For Representation & Accountability.

By Sadia Elmi..

In a recent forum, MP @AAbdishakur’s statement that “the people of Banaadir should stop claiming their resources are used by the government, instead, they should recognize that Banaadir uses a significant portion of Somalia’s resources” has ignited significant debate and dissent.

MP Abdirahman’s statement disregarded the realities faced by Banaadir taxpayers. His suggestion that Banaadir disproportionately consumes national resources fails to address the pressing issue that the Somali government primarily collects taxes from Banaadir, while the residents receive minimal services in return. This disparity is particularly stark when considering that Abdishakur, an MP from Galmudug, benefits from the taxes collected in Banaadir, yet is detached from the region’s specific needs.

The Somali government’s failure to finalize a federal taxation system exacerbates this problem, as it has led to a situation where Banaadir bears a disproportionate burden without corresponding benefits. Abdishakur’s remarks not only shift blame away from the government’s inefficiencies but also ignore the broader issue of inadequate service provision and the need for a fair and transparent distribution of resources.

This controversy highlights a critical need for political accountability and reform. Elected officials must address the genuine concerns of all regions, ensuring that taxpayer contributions are managed equitably and that all citizens receive the services and representation they deserve.

The Somali government, under President @HassanSMohamud and Prime Minister @HamzaAbdiBarre, must address the longstanding issue of representation for the Banaadir region. As the sole region bearing the full burden of federal taxes without adequate services or representation, Banaadir deserves fair and meaningful inclusion in the federal government. It is imperative that Banaadir is provided with both elected representatives and direct regional officials, rather than relying on the likes of #Madaale, an appointed figures from @TheVillaSomalia. This step is crucial to ensure equitable governance and acknowledge the contributions and needs of Banaadir’s taxpayers.

@Sadia_Elmi1