Energy Group Opposes Somali Government Deal With Soma Oil and Gas

The East African Energy Forum (EAEF) has called on the Somali government to cancel the agreement that it signed with Soma Oil and Gas, describing it as detrimental to Somali national interest, the EAEF said in a statement Thursday (August 15th).

“This deal goes against the very principle of transparency and anti-corruption that this government took an oath on last year. We are surprised at the cloud of secrecy and ‘behind-closed-doors’ methodology this government believes they can deal our natural resources in,” EAEF Director Abdillahi Mohamud said.

The EAEF comprises Somali resource experts and lawyers who monitor the country’s natural resources, waters, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The group also raised concerns about whether Soma Oil and Gas has the expertise or the capacity to conduct the seismic survey they have been contracted to provide.

“How can a company barely four months in existence be given the reigns to explore in our offshore waters,” EAEF Technical Director Feysal Mayow said. “The government should cancel this deal and conduct itself in a transparent and open manner that is good business for the country.”

The group has said it will continue to use its parliamentary influence to push Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon to nullify the deal.
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