Hiiraan Governor ‘twists’ President Deni’s words

[Deeq A.]

Jowhar ( PPM) — The Governor of Hiiraan Mr Ali Jayte Osman urged Puntland President to rethink an instruction to Puntland traders to reduce the volume of commodities they market to other Somali regions.  Mr Jayte criticised President for calling on local businesses to limit trade relations with Somali regions during the health emergency brought on by Covid-19.

Hiiraan is one of the regions whose agricultural products constitute a large segment of Puntland economy. Hiiraan Governor said Puntland levies steep tax on products from Hiiraan. “Bosaso Port is a national Port. It is not a property of Puntland’s” Jayte said. “Hiiraan will stop selling agricultural products to Puntland and its traders will begin to rely on other ports if President Deni does not change his mind on limiting trade with Hiiraan” he added.

Hiiraan Governor (right) takes President Deni (left) to task for a convoluted message

In a speech to Puntland State businesses last week President Said Abdullahi Deni explained why he had accepted the judgement of business leaders in Puntland who “assured us that there will not be commodity shortages” despite marketing goods and commodities from Puntland to other regions in Somalia. President Deni surmised that emerging but unsubstantiated inflationary trends in Puntland result from commodity shortages. President Deni has warned against profiteering from the health emergency. “Inflation happens when there is less supply for the demand” President Deni said while implying food and commodities marketed to other Somali regions have caused inflationary pressures in Puntland.  “Some traders may be tempted to exploit the situation either by raising prices or hoarding commodities ” says Mowlid Ali, an economist in Bosaso.

Some business leaders have accused President Deni  of making a wrong economic case for rationing.  “The Government should not use fiat to make decisions with serious economic consequences. It should consult economists” says a Garowe-based businesswoman, who buys agricultural products from Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.

Puntland Post contacted Puntland State Minister for Commerce Abdullahi Abdi Hersi but was not available to comment. “The Governor of Hiiraan has twisted the words of President Deni, whom we assured of the availablity of enough stock of different commodities and goods and that trade with Somali regions will not lead to food shortages in Puntland.

President Deni cannot stop us from trading with Somali regions” said a member of Puntland Chamber of Commerce, who prefers anonymity.

© Puntland Post Monthly,  2020  

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