Petroleum Minister says Farmajo signed off on offshore exploration contract

Somalia’s Petroleum Minister Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed has confirmed that President Farmajo was aware of his ministry’s deal with Coastline Exploration Limited and that he worked alongside Farmajo on the agreement.

Ahmed confirmed on Saturday that Somalia had signed a contract with the US-based oil and exploration company. However, it was almost immediately rejected by the PM and President. Farmajo declared the arrangement nullified just hours after it was announced.

In an interview with VOA Somali Service, Ahmed said that the President may have backed off the deal due to social media pressure. 

The Minister also revealed that Somalia received a signing bonus of a million dollars for each of the seven agreements signed. 

Ahmed said that he hasn’t spoken to Farmajo yet, but expects to speak with him shortly.