09/06/2025
Mr Yardi Former NGO Operator Accused of Diverting Food Aid Now Leads Construction Firm in Galmudug!
June 9, 2025 | Mogadishu, Somalia
A former NGO operator who once received contracts from the World Food Programme (WFP) has been accused of diverting food aid meant for vulnerable communities in Somalia. The individual, who formerly ran a local NGO that partnered with WFP, is now at the helm of a private construction company operating in Galmudug under the name Som-Central Construction Company.
According to credible sources, the former NGO head was found to have misappropriated food aid that had been allocated for malnourished children, displaced families, and vulnerable populations in the region. The aid, which included essential food supplies, was allegedly diverted for personal gain, violating WFP protocols and humanitarian standards.
An internal investigation by the World Food Programme confirmed the corruption, leading to the immediate termination of all contracts between the individual and WFP. Furthermore, WFP issued a formal decision to permanently blacklisthim from participating in any future projects or tenders funded by the agency.
Despite the serious nature of the misconduct, the individual has since rebranded himself and established Som-Central Construction Company, which is now pursuing infrastructure contracts across the Galmudug region. Transparency advocates warn that this move could allow him to regain access to donor funds, this time through the construction sector.
It is deeply concerning that someone with a proven record of aid diversion is now seeking to benefit from public or donor-funded contracts again, said a civil society watchdog member in Galmudug. We call on all international partners and humanitarian agencies to conduct thorough background checks.
The case underscores a growing issue in Somalia’s development sector, where individuals with tainted records often reappear under new business identities. Anti-corruption organizations are urging donor agencies, including UN bodies, to strengthen vetting procedures and maintain blacklists to prevent repeated abuse of humanitarian systems.
