Somalia: Anti-Federal Govt demo held in Puntland

GAROWE, Somalia, June 28, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Hundreds of Garowe residents staged a peaceful demonstration, criticizing Federal Government of Somalia’s federalism policy on Sunday, Garowe Online reports.

The participants at the rally were waving banners that read: “Jawari [Federal Parliament Speaker], Puntland will never accept damaging constitution, and clan hatred-Hassan Sheikh [Somalia President], a clan-leaning” amongst others.

The demonstrators initially took to the streets, chanting slogans in support of Puntland government’s stance on the status of Mudug region.

“The Federal Government failed in the implementation of federalism system, and showed off blatant disregard for the constitution,” Nugal Governor, Abdullahi Isse Aw Ahmed told banner-waving protesters at Garowe Square.

He lambasted Parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari for national fragmentation: “Jawari is creating further polarization. Nicholas Kay [UN envoy to Somalia] got confused in Somalia politics,” added Nugal governor.

The anti-federal government protest comes at a time when Adado delegates are set to conclude state formation convention with the election of President.

Galmudug claims Mudug region in a controversial constitution approved in Adado town two weeks ago.

Puntland protested the move, warning of fresh hostilities in central Somalia.

On Thursday, a press statement from Puntland presidency pointed fingers at some international community representatives who allegedly embroiled themselves in national politics at the expense of existing federal states. 

GAROWE ONLINE