Somalia: Puntland President convenes parliament, warns of violation of constitution

GAROWE, Somalia, June 15, 2015 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has convened a critical parliamentary session ahead of overhaul being surrounded by a wrangle on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Accompanied by Vice President Abdhakin Abdullahi Haji Omar Amey and Parliament Speaker Saed Hassan Shire, Ali took a swipe at Mogadishu-based Federal Government, warning of constitutional violations at the expense of Federal Member States in his 23-minute long speech.

Taking Puntland as a leading model in the country’s fledgling federalism, Ali said that Federalism is by far the only genuine understanding that can bring Somalis together: “[Somali people] have acceded assent to federalism and the provisional federal constitution describes how Federalism could be implemented in the country”.

“If the federalization process goes against the constitution, maligns the existing federal states, then there will be a time when everything will be reconsidered,” stressed Puntland leader, adding that Puntland doesn’t preclude federated Somalia.

Anti-militant push

On offensives against Al Shabaab militants in Galgala, just 50km southwest of the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, Ali once again reiterated that Puntland Defence forces are battling Islamist insurgents without external help.

“Puntland Government is fighting Al Shabaab terrorists. Unfortunately, it’s alone in this battle but here, I reaffirm that Puntland has a powerful army with the capability of securing our borders,” he added amid a heated debate over the compositions of central state.

Bossaso, the most populous city saw quiet nights almost for weeks after unprecedented upsurge in pre-planned raids, grenade attacks and targeted killings by Al Shabaab militants.

In the run-up to first ministerial shakeup by Puntland president since being elected in tightly contested regional elections, Justice Minister Saturday resigned for unpaid salaries of custodial corps.

According to presidency sources, the preparations to announce the cabinet reshuffle have faced some hurdle as of Monday morning.

A week ago, Puntland stood by Jubaland in breaking off all ties with the UN-backed central government over the passing of controversial vote of no-confidence against Jubba assembly.

On Thursday, federalization took a center stage in a weekly cabinet meeting chaired by Puntland President.

The 35^th parliamentary session of Puntland MPs will focus on strengthening of security, economic growth, military muscle upping, international relations, and investment according to speaker Shire. 

GAROWE ONLINE