Puntland leader defends federalism, criticizes AFP report 30 Mar 30, 2009 - 11:08:51 AM BOSSASO, Somalia Mar 30 (Garowe Online) - The president of Somalia's Puntland regional autonomy has defended federalism as the 'only option' for peace in the Horn of Africa country, while dismissing a recent report by a major French news agency as 'baseless,' Radio Garowe reports. Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole," the president of Puntland, told Radio Garowe during a Sunday interview that a recent trip to Ethiopia and Djibouti was successful. "Discussions with neighboring countries [Ethiopia and Djibouti] included issues like regional security and efforts to restore a national government in Somalia," President Farole said. He warned strongly against the use of the phrase 'Government of National Unity,' arguing that the phrase throws into question the 2004 Federal Charter signed by Somali factions in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was established. Puntland President Abdirahman Farole "Our position is that nothing but a federal system can ever happen [in Somalia]. Anything else will not bring peace. It [federalism] is also the only way to convince Somaliland against independence," the Puntland leader said. 'Baseless report' President Farole accused Agence France Press (AFP), an internationally respected news agency, of publishing a "baseless report" claiming that foreign fighters are based in Garowe, the capital of Puntland. "They [AFP] interviewed a warlord, who said that 450 foreign fighters linked to so-called terror groups travel through Somaliland and have a major base in Garowe," President Farole said, adding that such a report is "intended to benefit some and damage others." The AFP report, dated March 29, caused outrage across Puntland after claiming that non-Somali fighters linked to Islamist factions maintain a major base in Garowe, a regional capital renowned for years of relative tranquility. PRESS RELEASE: Puntland Government Rebukes AFP Report In January, Garowe was the political base where Puntland's elite – including politicians, business leaders and traditional elders – gathered for the peaceful completion of a three-month election campaign which brought to power President Farole as the regional authority's fourth president. "There are many people who are Somalis who are unhappy with the existence of Puntland, its security, its future and the peaceful way the election was conducted," President Farole said, adding: "We warn the natives of Puntland to be wary of such people. And to the troublemakers, we say we are not your enemy." Improving security Puntland's leader said the new government has spent massive resources on improving security, but admitted that clan fighting has occupied the government's time and resources. "The government's strength and funds is spent on stopping clan fighting, instead of improving general security," President Farole said, while referring to warring clans in Puntland's rural area. He expressed regret at the loss of life following an incident in the port city of Bossaso, where Puntland Intelligence Service (PIS) soldiers arrested a local cleric last week, sparking riots. "Puntland security is the responsibility of security forces paid by the Puntland government. There are other security agencies, who are paid from elsewhere," President Farole added ambiguously. The PIS has secretive ties to Western intelligence agencies, especially the American CIA, with widespread reports indicating that PIS soldiers are paid, trained and equipped by the CIA. President Farole said the loss of life was "unfortunate" during the Mar. 23 incident, but indicated that a committee was set up to report on the incident. Further, the arrested cleric, Sheikh Osman Shire, was transferred from the PIS over to Puntland's local police force where he is currently under investigation. READ: 2 killed in Puntland riot sparked by cleric's arrest But the Puntland leader had tough words for the rioters, saying that the "majority" of people who participated during the Bossaso riot "came from regions outside Puntland." "The Internally Displaced Peoples [iDPs] were welcomed to Puntland, allowed to live and work, but they have brought negative practices such as insecurity, because most rioters were not Puntland natives," President Farole told Radio Garowe, while indicating that the IDPs situation has been discussed with the United Nations. Speaking about the drought, the Puntland leader called on all parties, especially the business community, to provide "collective assistance" to nomad families hard-hit by the drought in some regions. Garowe Online Duke, I've seen the PIS, they are well funded and trained, with the latest weapons, night vision googles and vehicles they are by far the most well funded security force. They are being contiuously trained and there leader has made many trips all over the world for training. They are not a bunch of rag tag guys that you see on television. I agree arresting the Sheikh at 4pm was very unwise. Because that's when the city is most busy. But, we all know who runs Garoweonline (President Farooles sons), so even in this article the President is saying that the PIS is basically out of his control and is being run by an outside source! Something I personally don't agree with Duke, the President should have power over them. But he know's just like anyone else who goes to Puntland that getting rid of the PIS and it's head is not as easy and it may seem and in fact is very difficult.

How should it be reformed Duke?

Our President, the Minister of Security and other government officials all said the majority of the rioters were non-puntlanders. You can listen to the audio here Audio , Pay close attention to Gen.Cabdullahi Siciid audio statement The Government still has not released the Sheikh, even though he has been transfered to Police custody. It looks like the president and the people approve of the PIS actions.

So I guess one can conclude that since the majority of the rioters weren't from Puntland, the people of the state weren't against the actions of the PIS? It was outsiders?

d/p

d/p

The city must be flooded with police and military then put under a curfew, maybe ban vehicles after a certain time. More checkpoints and searches. If these criminals will do this because of an arrest they will continue to do it everytime they want to. These scavengers who attack at night need to be rounded up.

Bosasso The second "accidental" attack this month that Garowe Online has hinted.

UN? The same UN that sat back and allowed close to a million Rwandans to kill each other as they did nothing, actually pulling their forces out? Why is the UN so concerned now with pirates when their are millions suffering throughout the world? Where is the UN when Israel bombs civilians in Gaza? I've seen the UN in Somalia and they have done nothing, resting 24/7 in there continuously air conditions compounds, so detached from the people they are there suppose to be helping.

the only thing swimming in my head now is this! looks like god sent him to save the west, but then god abandoned africa!! :confused:

the only thing swimming in my head now is this! looks like god sent him to save the west, but then god abandoned africa!! :confused:

Riyaale won't go anywhere, he even said he'll leave only if voted out. So he makes sure there are no elections!! The man is a genius.

You questioned the legality of the union back in 1960 and when Siad Barre took over the country in 1969. I am simply saying that all your leaders never questioned the legality and in fact worked for that government. So, I am informing you that questioning the legality of the union as you did is hopeless and ridiculous and way too late.

Furthermore, Adeer, legality requires canon of verifiable body of law to give a patina of acceptance; not a fictious kind that is your own making, indeed. Also to make sense of that body of law, requires, a state to act on it, or at the very least a "functioning government" to make a good on the claim of that legality, indeed. If it was only that simple, this is why no gains have been made since 1991 towards the Tribal State of Somalilands independence. It's logic like this by die-hard supports like Oodweyne that Somaliland is still seeking independence or recognition from at least one nation. See in 1960, when all colonialists relinquished their hold on Somali land (both Italian and British), the Somali leadership apparatus all of the country. Were fully aware of the inevitable independence, agreed that they would unite back together. When independence arrived, the regions of Somalia, which had been separated by colonists with force, joined together. The resulting nation was and has always been the only internationally recognized government. When Siad Barre took hold of the nation the late beloved tribal President of Somaliland Mr. Egal, didn't dispute the new leaders government or fight against it, instead he joined it and accepted diplomatic post for many years. Although you now claim that Siad Barre take over, And, finally, Siyad Barre's overthrow of that half-legally-established constitutional order (in which the Somali Republic of that time was based on – i.e., 1960 – 1969) also ended whatever jurisdictional attachment that Somaliland have had with Somalia of that time (at least from legal stand). Is not the truth, because your beloved leader did not dispute the legality back then and in fact joined his government of Siad Barre as Ambassador to India, so did your current leader mister Riyaale. It's arguments that this that result in your continued failure to prove a valid reason. Since the union the almost 50 years since this included civil war, famine, numerous governments! Has done nothing to change it's international standing as a nation. Regardless of the arguments that are brought forth towards breaking it up among Somalis or the perceived hopeless future Somalis try to portray. No government or international body is prepared to recognize any other government then that of the 1960 union. This is why the former President Abdullahi Yusuf meet with the French President Sarqozy and was at the UN headquarters, and our current President Sheik Sharif meets with presidents all over east Africa, and so all over the world. In tribal states all that is seen is that the former president Egal was one tribe, the current vice-president is of same tribe. The two opposition leaders are also of this tribe.

Rwandan Visit APA-Kigali (Rwanda) The Somalia President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on a state visit to Rwanda on Monday expressed his country’s wish to join the East African Community to his host President Paul Kagame, APA learns here. According to state radio, President Sharif expressed his wish while on a visit to Kagame’s office in Kigali where he asked his host to present his wish and advocate for him to his fellow regional heads of state. In response President Kagame promised full support of Somalia’s wish to join the Community. The two presidents also discussed ways of uniting the Somali fighting forces into a national army. President Sharif told President Kagame that his country was working on a unity and reconciliation program noting that he and his delegation expected to learn from Rwanda’s experience in uniting conflicting nationals. President Sharif is in the country with a delegation of eleven ministers for a three day state visit. He arrived Sunday night from Bujumbura, Burundi.

what can Rwanda contribute to his government?, the answer is Zero, so why waste all these air-miles, he should concentrate in Mogadishu and also work hard to stop the galguduud wars, the guy has 48 monthes to sortout many problems, he already wasted 2 monthes inside 5 star hotels, and private jets. come on Shariif you could do better. What are you talking about, Rwandan's have went through a civil war that killed more people in a couple months then Somalis have killed each other in the past 18+ years. They have done even more horrible things to each other then Somalis have at any point in their past. After all the horror they inflicted on each other, they have made peace and are rebuilding their country. THEY HAVE MORE TO OFFER THEN MOST WESTERN COUNTRIES. This is a excellent idea by the President and proves once again how intelligent this man is. The Rwandan president can offer tons of advice and tips. Things that worked for their recovery and things that didn't. Plus Rwanda has peacekeepers in Somalia and visting the president and thanking them is following standard protocol. President Sharif and the Rwanadan president Paul Kigame picture is a powerful one, although other regions like Somaliland might claim to be nations but you won't see their leader meeting other heads of state (except the Ethiopian President, which even Puntland States leader even meets, same with Djibouti). They take pics with unknown military officers. Like former President Abdullahi Yusuf meeting Sarkozy of France, German leader etc etc. Meeting heads of states is very important. Recognized governments do that. President Sharif is doing an amazing job and deserves credit. I don't understand why Somalis and the Diaspora aren't rallying behing him in support, so we can build a strong country. We have no national pride or sense of nationhood. Always bashing every leader that comes along while we live abroad and enjoy life.

I agree, they sure weren't our enemies when ever single rebel group went to them for help against Siad Barre. Somaliland should know that there is a reason both leaders get the invite at the same time.

According to a Somaliland source Meles did meet with Cade (contradicting what you said). Are you disputing this? Just like in 2006 and now, both leaders are summoned at the same time, that is not protocol if you are dealing with two different countries who are not all in the same meeting. That is why when President Sharif comes, he is alone. Just like any other President in the world who comes to Ethiopia. However, when dealing with provinical leaders like Puntland and Somaliland, Ethiopia invites them at the exact same time. Because in their eyes neither is a nation.

Following this protocol, Meles will meet with A. Yusuf and Sh. Sharif as heads of the TFG but not with Adde Muse or Faroole. Somaliland.net May 16 2006 Addis Ababa,: Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has held talks with President of the Puntland Administration of the Somalia Transitional Federal Government, Muhammad Mahmud Muse Hirsi and President of the Somaliland Administration Dahir Riyale Kahin. Posted By Somaliland Net. In separate talks yesterday, Prime Minister Meles and the presidents exchanged views on people-to-people relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia as well as on other issues. In a statement he gave to journalists after the talks, President of the Puntland Regional Administration, Mohamoud Musa Hersi said that Ethiopia has provided support to bring about peace in Somalia during the years the country stayed without government. Mohamoud said he discussed with Prime Minister Meles issues enabling to strengthen cooperation in economy, security and social sectors along the Ethiopia and Somalia border. Later in the day, Prime Minister Meles also held talks with President of the Somaliland Administration, Dahir Rayale Kahin. Also yesterday Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin held talks with President Dahir. The discussions focused on issues related to trade relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as on security matters. The two sides exchanged views on ways of efficiently utilizing the Berbera Port as well as on further strengthening the brotherly relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia. It was noted on the occasion that the Port of Berbera could significantly contribute to the economic ties of the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia. According to a foreign ministry official who attended the discussion, the two sides have also stressed on the importance of collaborating in infrastructure development sectors. President Dahir arrived here Sunday on a four-day official visit to Ethiopia. Hmmm, according to a Somaliland site he met with the former Puntland President first, wonder if that means anything???

What's interesting is that the Ethiopian Government invites both groups at the same time. For them there is no difference and they are dealing with the Same Country. They have done this many times in the past where both leaders are in Ethiopia at the same time. Next stop for both? Djibouti you'll see. If they saw Somaliland and Puntland as two different countries they wouldn't invite them both at the exact same time, especially knowing the history between the two. (Unless of course it was a meeting between all three.) It's further proof how irrelevant Somaliland is to them and the lack of respect they have for it. Ethiopia and Djibouti would rather deal with Somalia issues at the same time.

DAVID MILIBAND mirror.co.uk DAVID MILIBAND AGE: 43 Height: 5ft 11in Weight: 11 stone Nickname: Brains - after the Thunderbirds character Education: Haverstock Comprehensive in North London. At Oxford University he got a First in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, then a Masters in Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - one of America's Ivy League. How tall is Riyaale, we can get to the bottom of this?

How's it possible that both leaders of the opposition belong to the same tribe? How is it possible there are no Reer Sool or Sanaag running for pres? If that isn't proof it's a tribal state I don't know what is. When I see someone from Sool or Sanaag running for Pres (forget about winning), i'll admit it is not a tribal state.

How do you expect to be taken seriously when your leader sits like that? You want to independance but do you think a president from another country would be caught with a picture like that on a foreign trip? It's likes he's in his basement watching a football game. WOW

What leader accused Al-Qaeda of Habsaade switching sides? The excuses are already starting for the next postponment. That's what this article is about.

They both work for me.