Farole cheered ahead of Somalia polls

GAROWE, Somalia-Somali Presidential hopeful Abdirahman Mohamed Farole is drawing big crowd on regional tours across the northeastern state of Puntland, Garowe Online reports. 

Thousands of cheering people welcomed Farole’s motorcade outside the state capital, Garowe on Saturday morning.  

Farole Thursday arrived to warm welcome in the port city of Bossaso where he kick-started his campaign as the country gears up for yet another indirect presidential vote scheduled for 10th of September.  

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who is seeking re-election announced in August last year that “his government could not deliver on the promise of holding universal one person, one vote.”  Former Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, Nugal regional administration officials and flag-waving crowds greeted Farole at an agricultural town, just 22km from the capital, Garowe. 

Addressing hundreds of welcoming rally participants at Garowe Square, Presidential candidate Farole called on the public to cooperate with security forces against anti-peace elements.  

Having discussed a consensus towards a common good with Bari and Karkaar intellectuals and elders, Farole hinted at his desire to mediate in clan dispute in northern Sool region where dozens of militiamen were reported killed as a result of weeks-long clashes.  

He once more reiterated the need for an effective leadership if Somalia is to move forward and staunch deeply-embedded crisis.  

Farole expressed his admiration with the rousing welcome staged for him, and prayed to Allah for a peaceful Somalia. 

--‘Elders indispensable’ 

Farole hoped elders will step in, in light of dragging feud between Puntland government and former Bari governor Abdisamad Mohamed Galan.  

He noted that all parties have reasonability to shoulder when grievances are voiced while stressing the absolute necessity of preserving unity and brotherhood. 

Traditional leaders briefed Farole on the matter in the presence of Bari Governor Yusuf Mohamed Waeys in Bari regional district of Armo. 

Karkaar elders backed former Puntland Leader’s candidacy for Somalia President in meeting at Gardo Presidential Villa on Friday. On April 4, the former Puntland President declared his intention to contest the 10 September presidential election.

GAROWEONLINE