Puntland ex-Minister on Bossaso tensions, Somalia proposal

GAROWE, Somalia- Former Puntland Education Minister Abdi Farah Saed (Juha) has condemned tensions that have degenerated into violent protests, reminding sides of long march to Puntland inception in an interview with Puntland-based independent station, Radio Garowe.

He called latest security developments in Puntland’s most populous city, Bossaso “regrettable’, stressing that the northeastern state didn’t simply earn progress in various fronts.

Speaking about the recent election proposal drawn up for Somalia’s 2016 transition, he said, clan-based system is obsolete in reference to different political frameworks signed by Somali political leaders in the past.

He commended Puntland’s position on the UN-backed election proposal and its objection to any process ushering in traditional 4.5. power sharing formula.

In a veiled jibe, Juha noted that Puntland needed to react when Somalia Federal Government quashed the possibility of popular elections in the country earlier in August 2015.

Continuing, he expressed dissatisfaction for Puntland’s waning role in national affairs given Mogadishu-based federal government’s dominance in key political forums.

‘Galan to stand trial’

Meanwhile, Puntland Security Minister Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab has signaled that former Bari government Abdisamad Mohamed Galan will be prosecuted for his role in anti-government protests in Bossaso.

He said, the operation inflicted devastation on Galan residence and casualties on security forces and young men in the house.

Qarjab criticized former Bari Governor for public incitement, and fomenting youth violence.

In rare remarks, he threatened that Galan and unnamed accomplices would stand trial for deadly Bossaso clashes.

Overnight on Tuesday, unidentified attackers shot and killed businessman Hirsi Adunyo in the port city.

SOURCE: GAROWEONLINE