Somalia: Puntland President’s plans stumble

EXCLUSIVE: In Galkayo, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is grappling with new challenges as his ‘firings and nominations’ continue to stumble, and dent his domestic popularity in a jaded city yearning for more convoluted shakeup.

A delegation led by President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali went out on trip to Galkayo on August 11, as a part of plans-now on shaky ground- but aimed at replacing officials, and allaying puzzling opposition.

Among the political conundrums facing Ali, are sacking of Galkayo Mayor Abdiasis Jama Gulled (Nugal), ineptitude reservations raised by Mudug Governor Abdulkadir Shire Farah (Ereg), reclaiming of government buildings and deadly clan clashes in Sool.

Puntland President and his right hand men failed to get the show on the road after Puntland Highway Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer Mohamud Abdinur Adan rebuffed to take on Galkayo mayoral post, and vacate to a close relative of Ali, Abdirizak Mohamed Haji Hassan (Burgal).

Garowe Online understands that President Ali consulted with Adan on his plans to nominate him as Galkayo mayor-something he refused to agree.

Elders from Adan’s clan suggested him to avoid unseating current mayor, Nugal and wait for, until he is fired.

The recent seizure of Central Bank Branch by paramilitary units in Galkayo is said to have related to the proposed changes.

On the other hand, Mudug Governor Ereg, long time Diaspora member expressed reservations over his post for lack of funds and his novice in the configuration of clans, lodging resignation letter with Ali before he departed for Mogadishu for consultative conference on 2016 electoral transition earlier on September 19.

On Sunday, Mudug governor announced that he officially departed in a post on his facebook handle.

“I have officially stepped down from the office in which I have stayed over the last five months today, President Gaas accepted my resignation,” he wrote, praising people of Mudug for their cooperation during his tenure.

Credible sources, who spoke to Garowe Online further unveiled that plans to evict tenants from public buildings unraveled. Militias formed positions on ‘timaweynta compound’ amongst others, and the move could risk armed confrontations.

On rekindled violence in Sool, Puntland government faces criticism over how it proved weak in curbing the deadly clashes in Sool region. At least twenty people were reported killed after clan militias raided Qoriley in revenge for perpetrated killings.

The stumble has chimed with emerging political schism and a series of blows dealt to prospective candidates handpicked for mayors of Garowe and Qardo by Puntland President at indirect ballot boxes. 

GAROWE ONLINE