The Public's Growing Disappointment with president Farole of Puntland

[NASSIR]

The Public's Growing Disappointment with president Farole of Puntland

 

By Abdi Ali

September 02, 2010

“If you think like a hammer, you see nothing but nails” Unknown

 

The current president of Puntland Dr. A. M. Farole has come to power nearly two years ago with some excitement and high expectations from people in Puntland and other Somalis who had all the right reasons to believe in the new president and possibilities for him to make some positive impacts for his Puntland and possibly for the rest of Somalia. The new president came in with few impressive credentials; PHD candidate in Australia, respected elder, experienced civil servant, former banker and finance minister, etc, etc... All these and the disappointments with his predecessors gave the people of PL a hope that Dr.Farole, as a civilian president with long administrative experience, is the right man for the job an will bring peace, progress and development in their region after long period of disappointing administrations by military men before him Abdullahi Yusuf Jama Ali Jama and Cadde Musse.

 

Today after almost two years of Farole rule, Puntland, which was once seen as a beacon of hope and one of few peaceful places in the troubled lands of Somalia, seems to be heading for great dangers of terrorism, civil wars and the risk of dis-integration.

Below is a summary of some of the obvious issues causing fear, frustrations, uncertainty and on top of all great disappointment in president Farole:

1. Galgala conflict which started as a minor disagreement on mining rights seems to be getting out of hand and might lead to a civil war in Puntland. Islamic extremists like Al Shabaab are knocking the doors of Puntland to come to the aid of Sheikh Atom thanks to PL government’s mishandling of the situation, the rush to war and the far-reaching publicity fallout from Galgala conflict. Despite Farole's strong and self-assured assertions that Sheikh Atom is part of or connected to extreme terrorist networks, so far there has not been single evidence to prove any link. Al Shabaab has denied it (they do not usually deny their links or intentions) Atom himself has again and denied any connection to any external forces., that up until now! rules of engagement have changed now and who knows we will soon have the Chechens and Colombians shooting us from the holes of this new Tora-Bora in the making in the outskitrs of Bossaso.

 

2. Some of the clans in Puntland are extremely unhappy with Farol'e nepotism/ favoritism and are threatening to fight Farole’s government. Most parts of Sool and Cayn have already joined Somaliland. It has also recently been reported that a significant number of soldiers from Sool and Cayn have revolted and left Puntland army due to disrespect and bad treatment. People in Sanaag and western Bari are unhappy and revolting due to lack of contribution from Farole's government. It remains to be seen how many of them will support and even join Sheik Atom. People in Mudug have already started creating their own militia to fight Farole's government. Even the capital of Puntland Garowe seems to be getting its share of troubles. On the 16th August, four policemen were killed and dozen injured in land dispute. All these are signs of crumbling administration and a leader who is loosing grip.

 

3. One of the biggest problems with Farole and his government is their lack of respect and continuous paranoia and harassment against free media in Puntland. Journalists and media people are constantly harassed, arrested and tortured for simply doing what they supposed to do, their jobs. The latest victim is Mr. A/Fatah Jama Mire of Horseed Media who got six years in prison plus torture and humiliation, simply because he run a story on Sheik Atom and the conflict in Galgala. This is shocking and it begs a believe why President Farole, who is supposed to be one of the most educated, experienced and enlightened of all current Somali politicians around [with his high level education and years of living in democratic Australia] took such extreme measures to suppress the free media in Puntland. Recently he banned the Somali service of VOA. Funniest of all was when Farole threatened to sue the legendary Somali artist Mr. Amin Amir who is doing great job in recording Somali history through his cartoons and caricatures. People of Puntland will appreciate the president much more if he spends his efforts and energy on more useful things rather than chasing wild gooses like journalists trying to do their jobs.

 

4. On the security front, the historical city of Bossaso which is also useful trading hub for all Somalis is becoming more and more anarchic and out of control. Bombs go off quite frequently and people get killed, arrested and tortured in the streets and in jails until they die. Puntland Intelligence Service, otherwise known as "Shahada la Dirir" take their orders only from their pay masters Ethiopians and US to arrest and kill whoever they feel like with full impunity in the name of terrorism and similar excuses to get funding from their masters. This is most probably counter productive in fighting terrorism and bringing security to the people of Puntland. Experts and people who are knowlegable of local Puntland politics will tell you that in fact Sheikh Atom and his likes are created by the cruel and inhumane actions of PIS.

 

5. Some of the actions of president Farole and his administration can be considered criminal acts against innocent Somali people. Recently the poor and displaced Somalis who escaped from the conflict in the south were expelled en masse from Puntland putting their lives in danger. Similarly, ****** people are hunted down and handed over to Ethiopian regime they escaped from, some of them died in Puntland jails during the process of deportation. These acts need to be recorded as un-Somali, un-Islamic and possible crimes against humanity.

 

6. In the economic and development front, there is no single meaningful project implemented since Farole came to power. Cadde Musse has started building the terminal of Bossaso airport; Farole government couldn't add half kilometer run way.

 

This is not scientifically researched report on what really went wrong and who is to blame in Puntland. However, these are obvious realities on the ground today indicating failures of president Farole’s leadership and dangers facing Puntland. It is quite sad, unfortunate and grim reading for anybody who supported Dr. Farole and expected PL in his leadership to be a better, saver and more progressive place. Who in their right mind expected Dr. Farole to fare this badly compared to his predecessors? Perhaps he is just another Somali leader who failed miserably and let his people down.

 

The neighboring breakaway region of Somaliland is facing similar problems and challenges (including tribal conflicts and risks of religious extremism) However, SL governments seem to be coping much better than Farole's administration. Hopes are high for the newly inaugurated President Siilaanyo of Somaliland to have a look and learn from the events taking place in his eastern neighborhood.

Finally, if the Dr. Farole does not wise up soon, listen to his people and voices of reason. If he does not learn from his mistakes and start putting his house in order. If he continues to be as arrogant as he is now, acts ignorant and keeps surrounding himself with yes-men, clan loyalists and family members. GOD HELP PUNTLAND!

 

Abdi Ali

hh_hanad@hotmail.com

[Thankful]

Originally posted by NASSIR:

Despite Farole's strong and self-assured assertions that Sheikh Atom is part of or connected to extreme terrorist networks, so far there has not been single evidence to prove any link. Al Shabaab has denied it (they do not usually deny their links or intentions) Atom himself has again and denied any connection to any external forces., that up until now!

Really, he denied it? What does this say in Somali

"Shiikha ayaa weydiiyey waxa ka jira in al-Shabaab ay yihiin iyo in kale, waxaana uu daaha ka qaadey in al-Shabaab ay iyaga yihiin Iyaguna al-Shabaab yihiin"

 

This is the Audio where Atam says that we are Al Shabaab and Al Shabaab is us.

 

Atam Alshabaab declaration

 

The UN has implicated Atam for funding Al Shabaab with weapons and that many trainers have visited him in Gagala, some of these being foreign terrorist trainers.

 

The fact that "Al Shabaab has denied it (they do not usually deny their links or intentions)" - but they are this time, should make people suspicious.

 

On the security front, the historical city of Bossaso which is also useful trading hub for all Somalis is becoming more and more anarchic and out of control. Bombs go off quite frequently and people get killed, arrested and tortured in the streets and jails until they die.

Mr. Abdi Ali says that people are being "arrested and tortured in the streets and jails until they die". Yet, he only ranks this as 4th on his list? Of all the things he alleges, you would think this was the most severe.

 

I have said it before, many of the people remained silent when the majority of these alleged issues were taking place and praised Faroole and Ilka-Jiir, but the moment the government took on a man that has links to terrorists (from their region), they have begun to attack the admin in the media, mentioning things that happened almost 2 years ago.

 

The article bashed all of Puntlands leaders as "disappointing administrations." The writer should remember that Puntland is trying to run it's affairs without the help of a central government, in fact Puntland has in many cases supported the Central government with it's meager resources. They face the same issues that most countries in the world face, but have far more limited resources. Of course they will never be able to run efficiently without a united Somalia. All of it's administrations start off with far more troubles than they can handle.

 

So instead of easily mentioned all of the problems, why doesn't he start talking about the solutions. For instance he talks about how "Farole government couldn't add half kilometer run way." Well can he explain where you fund things such as the factory to create the concrete, engineers, construction machines, the continuous maintenance that will be required, and other costly equipment?

[NASSIR]

Thankful, considering your often discredited Paltalk citation, the word al-shabab is an Arabic term and it means Youth. If, for instance, an organization with the title of Youth exists like the now defunct SYL, and you have got tired of the abuse and usage of the term as though it's the boogeyman for which to frighten any legitimate opposition, and a popular figurehead of such opposition is asked a question about it and he therefore employs witty sarcasm or satire as an indignant retort to such linguistic term, would he be qualified for that accusation.

 

 

Second, be critical thinker and remember, Paltalk is not a reliable source of information. It's not an News organization that is accountable to public scrutiny like VOA or BBC as they lease air space for such a noble public function.

So why would you pick Paltalk chitchats and satire over real, verifiable and reliable source of information such as VOA and BBC media is to the world.

 

Chitchat Paltalk that's subject to all types of manipulation has so far failed to win the approval of major news reports such as the AP. They dropped the charges after the VOA interview and the subsequent denial of al-shabab leaders themselves of any organizational affiliation with Mr. Atam.

 

Your sources always go back to the prior VOA and BBC interviews of Atam.

 

Btw, the UN monitoring group alleged him of being an arms dealer but added the suspicion of the phrase "believed to be" as a supplier of weapons to al-Shabab.

 

What is "believed to be" mean in English?

[Thankful]

Originally posted by NASSIR:

Thankful, considering your often discredited

Paltalk

citation, the word al-shabab is an Arabic term and it means Youth. If, for instance, there is an organization with the title of Youth exists like the now defunct SYL, and you have got tired of the abuse and usage of the term as though it's the boogeyman for which to frighten any legitimate opposition, and a popular figurehead of such opposition is asked a question about it and he therefore employs witty sarcasm or satire as an indignant retort to such linguistic term, would he be qualified for that accusation.

 

 

Second, be critical thinker and remember, Paltalk is not a reliable source of information. It's not an News organization that is accountable to public scrutiny like VOA or BBC lease air space for such a noble public function.

So why would you pick Paltalk chitchats and satire over real, verifiable and reliable source of information such as VOA and BBC media is to the world.

 

Chitchat Paltalk that's subject to all types of manipulation has so far failed to win the approval of major news reports such as the AP. They dropped the charges after the VOA interview and the subsequent denial of al-shabab leaders themselves of any organizational affiliation with Mr. Atam.

 

Your sources always go back to the prior VOA and BBC interviews of Atam.

 

Btw, the UN monitoring group alleged him of being an

arms dealer

but added the suspicion of the phrase "believed to be" as a supplier of weapons to al-Shabab.

 

What is "believed to be" mean in English?

Nassir,

 

I am not sure what you are implying about Al Shabaab and the fact that their name means "The Youth." They have been named as a terrorist organization by many different countries around the world, anyone caught aiding them in anyway is subject to punishment by the law. The admitted to attacking innocent people watching a soccer match in Uganda and many other attacks on civilians, closing Aid Agencies and denying people food and medicine. It doesn't matter if a organizations name is "cupcakes," you judge them by their actions.

 

The Paltalk interview is similar to many audio and video tapes of terrorists leaders around the world, interviews are sometimes smuggled out or done in different ways. For isntance sometimes audio or video cassettes are found in the rubble of a bombed out home. If you listen to the audio of BBC, VOA and PalTalk you will clearly see it is the same individuals voice. He distanced himself because he knows Puntland has a history of fighting radicals, but most importantly Atam's strongest support comes from people such as you in the Diaspora, if he gets grouped with Al Shabaab that would mean his Diaspora Base would not be able to support him, that is why he did the other interviews and tried to distance himself!

 

Chitchat Paltalk that's subject to all types of manipulation has so far failed to win the approval of major news reports such as the AP. They dropped the charges after the VOA interview and the subsequent denial of al-shabab leaders themselves in connection to Mr. Atam.

 

Actually the Last AP report done on August 19th said

 

Somalia's once stable Puntland hit by insurgency

(AP) – Aug 19, 2010

 

NAIROBI, Kenya —

Militants loyal to warlord Mohamed Said Atom have repeatedly fought against government forces in recent weeks, and Atom told a local radio station that his men have retreated to their mountain hideout in Gal Gala to plan guerrilla attacks. Government forces recently drove through the desert toward Gal Gala in pickup trucks mounted with machine guns.

 

A U.N. report says officials have credible information that Atom has delivered arms sent by Eritrea to al-Shabab forces in southern Somalia. Al-Shabab is Somalia's dominant insurgent group and has ties with al-Qaida.

 

 

A March report by the U.N.'s Monitoring Group says Atom has been importing arms from Yemen and receiving consignments from Eritrea, including mortars, for delivery to southern Somalia.

 

Atom's "activities pose a growing threat to peace and security in both Puntland and Somaliland," said the report, noting that "Atom appears to be preparing to confront both the Puntland and the Somaliland authorities more directly."

 

As you see, just a few weeks ago the AP made sure to mention the UN has "credible information" on Atam's terrorist ties! If you notice the AP made no mention of Atam denying he was Al Shabaab!

[NASSIR]

^Look the article predates the VOA interview and it's mostly based on the assertions, politically motivated charges of the Security Minister and the circulation of the Paltalk charges.

After the long VOA interview, the AP diversified its sources and somehow self-corrected its earlier but contraversial content. Puntland hit by powerful insurgency Read carefully!

 

 

Here is the phrase used by the Monitoring Group literally means "believed to be" : "think to have an idea that something is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about somebody/something:"

[Thankful]

Originally posted by NASSIR:

^Look the article predates the VOA interview and it's mostly based on the assertions, politically motivated charges of the Security Minister and the circulation of the Paltalk charges.

After the long VOA interview, the AP diversified its sources and somehow self-corrected its earlier but contraversial content.

Puntland hit by powerful insurgency

Read carefully!

 

 

Here is the phrase used by the Monitoring Group literally means "believed to be" :

"think to have an idea that something is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about somebody/something:"

I the read it carefully and this is the same article I am quoting in my previous post it was released on August 19th , its says "Al-Shabab has so far distanced itself from activities in Puntland." - Do you realize that Al Shabaab is an organization that targeted civilians in Uganda and graduating doctors in Mogadishu? It closes aid agencies that are helping the poor because they believe they are spies? My point is that Al Shabaab distancing themselves means nothing, they are a criminal organization that is banned throughout the world, whether they distance themselves or not means nothing. They have no credibility!

 

The monitoring group never says "believed to be," where did you get that from? This is what they said

Mohamed Sa’iid “Atom” and the “Eastern Sanaag Mujahidicen”

 

Several recent incidents have been specifically attributed to Mohamed Sa’iid “Atom”, described in the Monitoring Group’s report of December 2008 ,whose activities pose a growing threat to peace and security in both Puntland and Somaliland. Although he remains essentially a ********* clan warlord, Atom reportedly calls his militia the “Eastern Sanaag Mujahidicen” and has strengthened ties with Al-Shabaab during the course of 2009. A significant number of non-********** militia are reported to have recently joined his group. His training camp at Galgala remained active in 2009, and the Monitoring Group has received reports about two related training centres in the Bari region. Numerous sources indicate that there are several non-Somali instructors at the Galgala camp, and according to eyewitness reports delegations from southern Al-Shabaab groups have been regular visitors. The Monitoring Group has received eyewitness reports that Atom continues to import arms from Yemen and to receive consignments from Eritrea, including 120-mm mortars, which may have been transferred to southern Somalia. He has also embarked on an expansion of his influence and infrastructure, attempting to build an access road to his main training camp near Galgala. Local ********** elders have reportedly tried to discourage him from this effort. In January 2010, Monitoring Group sources and local media reported that Atom had also completed construction of an airfield near his Galgala base. Meanwhile, Atom appears to be preparing to confront both the Puntland and the Somaliland authorities more directly. In March 2009, he issued a press statement in which he demanded that the Puntland authorities release several ********** youth from prison or his forces would liberate them and take unspecified action against the administration. Late in 2009, Atom personally visited the town of Laascaanood, where he reportedly established an operational cell. There have since been several attacks with improvised explosive devices against Somaliland forces in the town, although it is unclear whether these may be Atom’s responsibility or the work of an autonomous *********** clan militia. Talks in Galgala district between Puntland officials and ********** clan elders about the fate of Atom and his militia were suspended late in January without agreement.

Nothing is proven until it goes before the court, so everything you or I say is not really fact. But the UN monitoring group is neutral, I have the entire PDF file that the monitoring group claims to use reliable sources and not believed to be, so stop use that phrase!!

[Thankful]

Yahoo.com

 

Somalia's once stable Puntland hit by insurgency

 

AP –

Atom was among nearly a dozen suspected Islamist militants in Somalia whose assets were frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department in April. He considers Puntland officials apostates for failing to apply Islamic law, and is especially critical of the Puntland Intelligence Services, calling its members "Crusaders."

The man you are defending Nassir has had his assests frozen in the U.S!

[General Duke]

Another attempt at saving Attam for no other purpose than clan. Was he not the man who stated that out of fear the public don't even pick up dead Puntland corpses?

He is Al Shabaab in ideology , words and action. His Paltlak interview was the smoking gun, he fact that Fuad Shangoole, Abu Mansoor and others have in the past used PalTalk as heir medium of choice is also telling. This man is a monster.

 

And those who support him are Puntlands version of Ahmed Diiriye.

[Gallad]

Assets frozen in US.

 

Thats the lamest joke I have ever heard. Forget about this local boy, even Abu Mansur does not have assets in US.

 

Mekheris are masakin. Wixi laraba lo shega.

 

by the way, isn't this topic about Farole (AKA the pirate king)?

[Xudeedi]

The author tackled 5 broad issues; it’s easy to point fingers at Atam but the problems are indeed apparent to the world.

 

Good read