Somalia: Ethiopian factor surfaces in Puntland oil dispute

[Paragon]

Somalia: Ethiopian factor surfaces in Puntland oil dispute

By

Mar 23, 2008 - 8:28:30 PM

 

GAROWE, Somalia Mar 23 (Garowe Online) - The Ethiopian government's role in an ongoing political row between the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the Puntland regional administration has been raised, following a secretive meeting last week between Ethiopian and Puntland officials.

 

The meeting took place at State House in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland, inside sources said.

 

The Ethiopian government delegation was in Garowe on March 19, as Puntland lawmakers voted regarding a controversial oil law introduced by the government of President Adde Muse. [ Full story]

 

Confidential sources in the port city of Bossaso, the heart of the Puntland economy, said the Ethiopian delegation of military officers spent Sunday night at a local hotel.

 

The exact nature of the closed-door meetings at the Garowe State House is not clear, but reliable sources told Garowe Online that the Ethiopian officials were traveling alongside a delegation from Africa Oil, a Canadian company contracted by the Muse government to explore for oil and minerals in Puntland.

 

Unconfirmed reports said Africa Oil and the Ethiopian government are working out security arrangements for future drilling plans in Puntland, which Africa Oil hopes to begin later this year.

 

Hassan Allore, Puntland oil minister

According to the report, the Ethiopian army will be contracted as a security force in and around Africa Oil exploration sites inside Puntland.

 

But Puntland Petroleum and Minerals Minister Hassan "Allore" Osman rejected the reports, telling the BBC Somali Service during a Sunday interview that the Puntland government might hire nationals from Somalia's neighbors with expertise in the exploration field.

 

"Security [of drilling sites] will be left to the people of Puntland, or from other parts of Somalia," Minister Allore said.

 

He reiterated the Puntland administration's stance that the regional government has the legal right to manage its own resources, since the TFG does not currently control all of Somalia.

 

"Puntland began exploration activities before the Federal Government was established," said Allore, adding: "Puntland will function under its own laws."

 

He claimed that the government of Puntland has a memorandum signed by former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, clearly stating that Puntland is "independent" for the exploration and production of its natural resources.

 

Last week, Somali Energy Minister Mohamud Ali Salah issued a press statement rejecting the Puntland oil law, which has stirred controversy within the regional parliament.

 

According to Minister Salah, only the federal government has the constitutional authority to manage natural resources in Somalia. [ Full story]

 

But Puntland Oil Minister Allore was critical of his federal counterpart, saying: "His [salah] statement might damage the relationship between Puntland and the Federal Government."

 

Minister Allore defended the Puntland government's foreign partners, namely Africa Oil, which he said is a "big company."

 

"It [Africa Oil] is a Lundin Company," Minister Allore said, referring to a Sweden-based oil company which, in 2007, was awarded exploration rights in ******, a Somali-inhabited region of Ethiopia.

 

In April 2007, Somali-speaking Ethiopian rebels attacked a Chinese-run oil field, killing 74 people, mostly Ethiopian soldiers.

 

The attack shocked the world, but rang alarm bells about the dangers of exploration in the Horn of Africa, a region mired in ethnic conflicts, perpetual droughts and political instability.

 

Source: Garowe Online

 

 

http://www.garoweonline.com

[Jacaylbaro]

These guys never learn ,,,,,,,,

[Fabregas]

inside sources said

Confidential sources

reliable sources

 

This is an interesting story, don't really know about the Ethio involvement, but we'll see how this one develops!

[Paragon]

^^Yeah, the best ingredients of a good rumour . But seriously, the only show to be expected should be between the TFG's Oil Minister and Cade. Notwithstanding the mentioned Ethiopian factor, with which, if true, Cade would try to subjugate some protesting folks up North. Cade's way of overcoming obstacle .

[Jacpher]

Ethiopia got its hand in every jar.

[Paragon]

^^Indeed. And I think Cade and his crew arent so comfortable with putting Ethiopia in charge of security lol. That got the minister for mining reiterating Ethiopia would leave security to the locals, but would borrow some experts from her. I mean it beats the logic of getting her involved, isn't it? One wonders what sort of expertise Ethiopia has to offer except in invassions? Lol.

[Geel_jire]

Originally posted by Jimcaale:

Ethiopia got its hand in every jar.

Are you doing a 180 on Ethiopia or is it just when the xabash filth turn their attention towards certain parts of Somalia ....... curious

 

even during all your rants I did not consider you a closet qabilist ..... interesting

[Jacpher]

^

 

lol@closet qabilist. Ari boowe jeedaali.

 

Isseh: I don't understand all these 'laws' being introduced as Cadde's term is nearing its end. PL is better off in badda lagu daro hadey saan ku sii socoto.

[Paragon]

^^I think cade knows his time is up but could be looking for two things: 1- to either assure the mining companies that work starts while he's still in office to get paid...or 2- if he gets paid handsomely to forcefully extend time in office. After all, Yey did the same thing, hasn't he? Why not him?

[Thankful]

You aren't going to hear of people asking for President Cade to be impeached and at this rate he'll be re-elected. Everyone in Puntland can't name a single person that can take his place. All these foreigners from abroad rushing home during an election year dont have a chance. Who seriously will win?

[Jacpher]

^Only in your dreams that Cadde will get re-elected.

 

What do you mean by foreigners? Are you speaking of the presidential candidates?

 

Ciisoow: It's unfortunate in this time and age, in meesha ay noqoto sida masqul. Basically take a dump at people's face or drop a bomb. As much as I deplore Yeey's policies in PL, mostly the place was stable.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Jimcaale, the corrupted Cadde Muuse was not "foreigner" markuu Ottawa kasoo ordaaye in early years of this decade. Dadka kale ayaa "foreigner" loogu wacooyaa maanta, maka yaabtay?

 

And election -- iskaba dhaaf re-election -- see ah? Soomaalida election iyo selection iskaga dhuntay. Yaa doortay awal ninkaas to begin with? A few, possibly bribed, selected men or the general public of Reer Bari?

[NASSIR]

Isseh, salan sare, do you think these exploration deals and projects would be viable since the secessionists are as well flexing their muscles to probably send troops to Al Mado basin and Nogal?

 

Is it possible a tactical collaboration between the two entities with the blessings of the United States and Ethiopia?

[Peace Action]

Miskiin,

Cade was elected by the Puntland parlement fair and sqaure in a competitive election. I think it is unfair to de-legitimize his election. It was actually an important election after the civil war in Puntland.

 

All those who are running for the top post are welcome, however, they need to go back and settle in Putnland and compaign. They need to come up with a workablke program amd they need to come up with a one or two strong candidates that can challenge Cade. Otherwise they will spilit their vote and Cade will get re-elected. But if they think they can compaign overseas and just present themselves on election day, they are dreaming.

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Peace'action, that was selection, saaxiib, not election. The hand-picked gobol xildhibaano might have selected him, laakiin su'aasha waxee tahay who elected them, the xildhibaano that is? The general public? Since jawaabta no tahay, then they themselves were selected, and whoever they pick is selected in a selection progress.