Disappointed with president Farole of Puntland

[Garaad Bari]

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

 

The current president of Puntland (PL) Mr. A. M. Farole has come to power nearly two years ago with fanfare 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 have given the people of PL a hope that Mr.Farole, as a civilian president with long administrative experience, is the right man for the job and will bring desired peace, progress and development in their region after a 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 the few peaceful places in the troubled lands of Somalia, seems to be heading for great dangers of extreme terrorism, civil wars and risks of disintegration.

 

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 has 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, 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 a single evidence to prove any link. Al Shabaab has denied it (they do not usually deny their links or intentions) and Atom himself has denied any connection to any external forces up to now. Rules of engagement have changed now and who knows how soon we will have the Chechens and Colombians shooting us from the holes of this new Tora-Bora shaping up in the outskirts of Bossaso.

2.

Tribal discontent: Some of the clans in Puntland are extremely unhappy with Farol'e nepotism/ favoritism and 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 Eastern Sanaag 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 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.

Lack of development: In the economy front, so far there is no single meaningful project implemented in Puntland since Farole came to power. Cadde Musse has started building the terminal of Bossaso airport; Farole government couldn't even add a half kilometer run way. How many new school and hospitals have been built in Puntland since President Farole came to power?

4.

Growing insecurity in Puntland: 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. 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 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.

Human Rights violations: 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 investigated as possible crimes against humanity.

6.

Submission to Ethiopia: It is extremely worrying and dangerous to witness ever-growing influence of Ethiopia in the affairs of Puntalnd where Addis Ababa seems to be the capital of Puntland and Meles Zenawi is calling the shots and treating president Farole as nothing more than a village chief who needs to obey the orders of his master. There is nothing wrong with having a good relationship with your neighbour, based on mutual interest and two-way respect, but handing over your sovereignty and giving such a blank cheque to Ethiopia is very dangerous. President Farole could learn a thing or two from President Siilaanyo of Somaliland who is showing some guts to stand up to Meles Zenawi and his ever growing tendencies to meddle in Somali affairs.

 

This is not scientifically researched report on what really went wrong in Puntland and who is to blame can be debated. However, these are some of the obvious realities on the ground and in the public discussions 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 Silanyo of Somaliland to have a look and learn from the events taking place in his eastern neighborhood.

 

Finally, if the Mr. 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!. Just under two years ago people were singing "Ku dayo Puntland" today the tone is more like "Daawo oo ka durug Puntland."

 

Source: Wardheernews

[Garaad Bari]

just under two years ago people were singing "Ku dayo Puntland" today the tone is more like "Daawo oo ka durug Puntland."

This witter really outlined all troubles that are crippling p/land

[Jacaylbaro]

"Daawo oo ka durug Puntland."

[Thankful]

Lol, so desperate people are posting the same articles over and over again!

[Garaad Bari]

tnk desperate abt wat!!!!!

[Beer-Gaal]

Xudeedi maa qoray Article? i for one ,,,never had high expectations for Imam Faroole neither many puntlanders did. i'm sure though he's doing his job pretty well ,Balancing his Australia bank A/c.