Somalia: Puntland marks 17 years of statehood

GAROWE, Somalia, August 2, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland government in northern Somalia has marked its founding day with colorful event in the state capital of Garowe and parades in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland Defence forces, police, custodial corps and units from Maritime Police Force paraded around a popular spot in Bossaso in the presence of cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, Bari Governor and Bossaso Mayor.

In the capital Garowe, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Vice president Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar, Parliament Speaker Saed Hassan Shire, Puntland Army Chief Gen. Sead Mohamed Hirsi (Saed Dhere), Police Commander-in-Chief Gen. Mohamed Saed Jaqanaf, Custodial Corps Chief Gen. Ali Nur, women and youth groups, Diasporans and bands singing for 17 years of governance gathered for a major event at Puntland State House on Saturday evening.

President Ali delivered a keynote speech touching on achievements heralded since the state’s inception, security, economy, democratization and national politics.

“Puntland has achieved success in various fronts, Puntland has a stern governance flourishing in financial and military muscles,” Ali began with his speech.

He noted that Puntland is a mother for Somalia federalism, alleging that [Somalia Federal Government] became disobedient to its parent in reference to Puntland’s role in transition into a more permanent government in 2012.

Ali raised that overwhelming majority of Puntland people may think of ceding Somali unity: “Many people in Puntland believe that Puntland needs to give up on Somalia and not to waste more time on [a united federal Somalia] but you should be clear with the intentions of the enemy who wants this to happen, alone Puntland can be Somalia”.

Economy

Puntland president focused on the economic infrastructure and the government’s plans to get new airports and modernized seaports off the ground.

“When you have booming infrastructure in place, your productivity will be valued. We will try our best to address this issue and we’re in the midst,” he went on.

On higher unemployment rate, he wished that development initiatives will offer new opportunities for unemployed graduates.

Democratization

Puntland leader said that he is committed to implementing democracy built upon ‘one person, one vote’ before his term ends.

Parliament and council of Ministers passed 24-clause Electoral Commission Bill in December, however delay of electoral board commissioners raised stakes in the future of the Puntland Democratization programme.

In his evening address, he glanced at decentralization process and formation of district councils from where he said, democratic ideals begin.  

Democratization programme steering committee which includes donors and EU discussed the nomination of election commission with Puntland President during his last trip to Nairobi.

Federal Govt

President Ali pre-hailed the removal of current political leadership for a united federal Somalia, indicating that Puntland will take the lead in a new change in Somalia in 2016.

He took a jab at Somalia leaders for failing to deliver on promises and effectively exercise responsibilities entrusted to them.

His accusations have a come after Puntland warned Somalia President of term extension and delay in 2016 elections.

With similar events being held worldwide, every year, Puntland people celebrate the state’s founding day on 1^st of August. 

GAROWE ONLINE