Somalia: President Ali returned back to Puntland region

BOSASO, Puntland- The President of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” has on Tuesday arrived to Bosaso city following his trip to the Somali capital of Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

President Ali was received at Bosaso Airport by cabinet Ministers, Bari region officials, security officials, elders and members of the civil society.

Ali attended the National Leadership Forum (NLF) conference in Mogadishu with the Somali government leaders-term ended in September 10- and regional states to deliberate on key outstanding issues of the Somali electoral process, however, the trip lasted for 19 days in Mogadishu before returning back to Puntland region.

Speaking to the local media at the Airport, President Ali stated they [NLF leaders] have managed to keep the progress of the Somali election and expressed hopefulness for Somalia and Puntland in the upcoming Somali election.    

But during the press conference, Ali opted not to comment on Somali Federal Parliament’s rejection to the NLF’s decision to expand Upper House seats or the endorsement of Puntland officials among them Puntland Vice President to back Somaliland politicians’ demand for additional seats in the Parliament.

The move to support Somaliland politicians received huge criticism from public, who said it violated the state constitution.     

On the other hand, Ali expressed condolence to the families of late officials, who were assassinated in Bosaso city last December, whereas he commended the security officials for enforcing security in the city following surge of attacks against government officials.  

Ali also highlighted on the persistent drought condition that is facing the region, and stated that he will visit drought-stricken areas in the coming days.

Puntland people have previously urged government to intervene, and more frequently by former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, who called for immediate humanitarian aid to provide necessary assistance to hundreds affected nomadic families in remote vicinities.

Despite that Puntland government has earlier formed drought response committee to avert the worsening humanitarian situation, it failed to woo international support amid recurrent trips of Puntland leadership outside the region.  

Officials from drought-stricken areas and particularly Bandar Bayle district official has criticized government agencies for lack of actions to assist affected nomadic families.

GAROWEONLINE