Somalia: Puntland parliament convenes for extraordinary session

GAROWE, Somalia-Lawmakers in Somalia’s Puntland parliament have convened for extraordinary session in the State capital of Garowe on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. 

Puntland Vice President Abdihakin Abdullahi Haji Omar attended the gathering, delivering a speech on urgently pressing issues in the region, with Parliament Speaker Ahmed Ali Hashi and 51 MPs present.  

Agendas during the extraordinary session include the drought ravaging many parts in the region, human trafficking and the endorsement of 9-member Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), Hashi unveiled in his opening remarks.  

He called on the government and the general public to extend generous hand to the people affected by the drought and famine in Puntland. 

Before engaging in question-and-answer session with MPs on various issues, Puntland Vice President touched upon drought, security, much anticipated constitutional review forum and Puntland’s democratization programme.

  --Security 

Puntland Vice President spoke on recent counterterrorism operations launched against Al Shabaab militants in Suuj valley and Garacad frontlines. 

He praised Puntland defence forces forheroism, and the crushing victory over the militants.  

Omar said, the overall security situation in Puntland is well, stating that security measures to track down anti-peace elements are underway statewide.

  --Drought  

On drought, and ensuing famine, he said the government previously declared drought emergency across Puntland.  

State agencies mobilized relief operations, and the situation of pastoral communities is worrying, Puntland Vice President said of the drought. 

“We dispatched food and water to worst-hit areas, and the government drilled many water wells,” said Omar.  

Puntland once again called for rain-seeking prayers as severe water shortage coupled with crop failures continue to threaten fragile humanitarian situation in the East African country.    

  --Electoral Commission  

Omar requested the parliament to endorse Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) given the huge tasks ahead in the state’s democratization programme.  

In February, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and Parliament Speaker Hashi jointly announced nine nominees for the commission.  -

-Constitution Forum  

Addressing Puntland members of parliament, the Vice President warned of alleged schemes to delay the due date of a 10-day Garowe conference to be focused on the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) in upcoming May. 

He urged Somalia’s Federal Government to honor the implementation of agreed upon points. 

In a deliberation with parliamentarians, Puntland Vice President echoed defense for his government’s decision on the return to 4.5 power sharing formula after a lawmaker questioned him on the podium about sincerity and public trust in the government.

GAROWEONLINE