​Somalia: Puntland leader backs off brain drain comments

Columbus, OHIO-Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has sought to clarify his recent remarks on the role of diaspora Somalis in the country’s development, Garowe Online reports.

Giving an interview to Somali channel in Ohio, Ali said, his comments were ‘misunderstood’ and ‘twisted’ following a storm of criticism on social media.

Ali caused a controversy during a speech to Puntland diaspora community members in Canada, with “poor and less educated people were left behind,” in comments that went viral, with some taking to facebook to express their anger at the President’s remarks.

He went on: “I meant for [Puntland’ people to feel that talented figures fled home.”

Ali added, he is visiting Canada and the US to exchange views on the current situation in the country with Somalis in the diaspora.

On objection to the newly adopted electoral proposal, Puntland leader dismissed that personal vendetta with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamudcould be faulted on crisis in the controversial model. He insisted that his government acts in line with the wider public opinion against return to 4.5 power sharing formula.

Puntland President’s trip to U.S. comes amid ravaging drought in vast areas in the northeastern State.