Somalia: Investment, Democratization discussed during visit by Puntland President to Kenya

GAROWE, Somalia, July 25, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has returned from a week-long visit to Kenya, unveiling the arrival of investment companies on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

After being welcomed at Garowe airport, Ali spoke to reporters at Puntland State House about his Kenya trip.

“We met with Kenyan officials and discussed Puntland-Kenya relations as well as trade and security matters,” said Puntland President.

On investment, he told that many investment companies will tap opportunities in Puntland:”Also, we have had talks with international investors and companies. We agreed for the first batch of investment firms to come to Puntland in September”.

Moreover, meeting with international community representatives including United States Special Representatives for Somalia James P. McAnulty centred around fight against Al Shabaab militants in the rugged terrain of Galgala.

Ali was hosted by Foreign Affairs cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed for roundtable meeting, a day after he participated in a luncheon by Puntland tycoons at Serene Hotel in Nairobi.

EU envoy to Somalia, Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso is believed to have raised concerns about democratization process with Puntland leader. He said, Electoral Commissioners will be appointed in mid-August.

On December 9, 2014, Lawmakers in Puntland parliament passed 24-clause bill clearing the way for the establishment of credible Electoral Commission.

New clauses governing the nomination of commission secretary-general were included, with role of Constitution Ministry in registration of political associations and supervisions voted out.

Former Puntland President, Abdirahman Mohamed Farole’s administration introduced the state’s first-ever election bill in January 2. 2011.

On July 14, 2014, political spoilers who were mainly vying for Puntland presidency sabotaged municipal elections in the shadow of public incitement. 

GAROWE ONLINE