Somalia: Puntland celebrates 18th anniversary

GAROWE, Somalia-Puntland government in northern Somalia has marked 18 years of governance with an evening ceremony at the State House on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has led the celebrations held in commemoration of the state’s founding day 18 years ago today. 

Hundreds clad in national and Puntland flags, ecstatic bands and clapping crowds showed up at the event. 

In attendance were also Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar, parliamentarians, traditional elders and Islamic scholars.  

Puntland President also handed out prizes and award of USD 1,000 each to football squad who clinched a championship during an inter-state tournament in Mogadishu. 

The footballers arrived back to heroes’ welcome by hundreds of flag waving fans at Garoweairport on Saturday for their 5-4 penalty shootout win over Jubaland.  

Popular Somali artists including Mohamud Amore and Nasteho indho as well as local Mahuraan and Waaberi bands mesmerized the crowd with songs reflecting on the progress registered over the last 18 years.

--‘Unity and Peace’ 

Puntland government officials and other keynote speakers addressed the participants on the landmark path to statehood over 18 years ago. All speakers stressed the need to work for the common good and preserve serenity and tranquility.  

Well known clan elder Islam Isse Islam Mohamed urged the public to unite against any element fomenting troubles at the expense of the state. He added that Puntland people today need to strengthen their unity and political maturity while recalling that the state formation was formidable.  

--‘Security’ 

Puntland President delivered a lengthy speech, hoping that Somalis will soon rally around a strong and more inclusive government after years of turmoil.  

Ali noted that Puntland is a stable haven that requires to further consolidate the state of stability despite threats posed by Al Shabaab thugs and what he described as entities exploiting precarious situations.  

  --‘Economy’ 

President Ali claimed that his government achieved tremendous strides in economic front. 

He discussed recent economic infrastructure projects such as Bossaso and Garowe improvement projects which he said will stimulate stagnant aviation sector.  

He did not detail new measures his government would adopt to encourage more investment in the near future. 

--‘Democratization’ 

Puntland leader expressed his optimism about the implementation of democratization programmethat would culminate in presidential vote in 2019. 

“We want to move away from the clan-based political system and embrace democratic ideals,” he told the crowd. 

Local Council Elections might be conducted before end of the year, he unveiled.  

On 2016 national polls, Puntland President echoed the need for effective leadership if Somalia is to move forward.'

GAROWEONLINE