This is merely the tip of the iceberg and this conference’s only objective is to get a lot of Somali folks salivating at the prospects and potential of Somalia’s natural resources. I see many Somali elites from around the country recalibrating their political stances based on this new data— and yearning to move to ‘greener’ pastures, as it were In any case, the sooner the Federal constitution is completed and a genuine resource sharing agreement between all Somalis is reached, the better for all concerned.

It seems like the clan based map of Puntland is getting a slap on the face there.

I don't buy this is not time to do this, I think it is well over due. That is why you over 20 ministers, they are not all security ministers. but we must take caution, and yes correct the process if it is wrong.

This is the first initial step to get very rudimentary seismic data. The data collected at this stage only shows the structure of the rock formation below. Further surveys will be carried out by the winning company of the block. Considering Somaliland's experience, which engaged TGS from Norway to do this type of initial data collection. It will take about 5 years to get to stage where a well will be dug and oil/gas can be proved. With Gas, it is the real deal. Gas is fetching higher price in the energy market today, while Oil is slugging. But the Capex for extracting Gas is much much higher. A specialised freezing plant will need to be created, which uses very high amount of energy. The frozen gas can then be transported to market. The other option is to pipe the gas out from the well all the way to the market like Russia does for Europe. Only Qatar has the sort of money that can make Gas export reality.

Salaax, inkaarqabe baa tahay, look what you started

This explains why secessionists have a siege mentality.