Somalia: Ex-Puntland President lambastes Nat'l Govt for security lapse

GAROWE, Somalia, March 29, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole has lambasted Mogadishu-based federal government for failing to protect the lives of government officials and citizenry at large following a terror attack on popular hotel in largely volatile Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Speaking with GO via the phone from Melbourne, Farole strongly condemned apparently coordinated deadly rampage, calling it ‘inhumane and heinous act’ that goes against Islamic values.

Former Puntland leader wished swift recovery to the people wounded in the attack, and sent condolence to the bereaved families over the killing of loved ones.

“Especially, I condole with the family of late Yusuf Ismael Bari Bari. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace and give patience to his family,” said Farole.

Security lapse

As Al Shabaab militants target government officials and foreigners in broad light attacks, largely in Mogadishu, former Puntland President pointed to the weak security apparatuses and irresponsible manner to which Somalia government responded the situation.

“Federal Government shoulders the responsibility…the ambassador’s security would have been tightened unlike the ordinary people,” he added, noting that the UN-backed weak central government only opts for condemnations at all times.

“It [Federal Government] doesn’t go beyond condolences when something happens…no investigations, nothing is reported back and no tight care is exercised…I am really sorry,” former Puntland President alleged.

On February 28, Puntland’s Farole warned what he described ‘Political religious-minority’ dominating the Somali Federal Government of term extension.

Sources in Mogadishu say, Al Shabaab gunmen freed two high ranking officials who were chatting with Ambassador Bari-Bari in the hotel at the onset of the terror operation.

Puntland government in northern Somalia is planning to honor the body of Somalia’s ambassador to UN Human Rights Council with state funeral in the capital, Garowe on Sunday. 

GAROWE ONLINE