Jacaylbaro Posted January 25, 2009 Major oil companies who declared force majeure on their Somali assets in the 1990s are reviving their claims to blocks in the unrecognised but peaceful Republic of Somaliland (AE 152/15). Industry sources told African Energy oil companies operating in the territory had received letters from majors including BP (which took over former Somalia player Amoco) and ConocoPhillips warning them to stop work. This represents a dramatic shift in policy by the majors, whose lawyers had previously told them to ignore any companies or government officials working in Somaliland, and may reflect expectations of a change of US policy in the Horn of Africa under President Barack Obama. The presidency of George W Bush was dominated by a failed attempt to reunite the Mogadishu-based Transitional Federal Government with its breakaway territories, Somaliland and the State of Puntland. However, with the growing power of the Islamic resistance group Al-Shabab, and the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia, Obama and his team are expected to work to contain Mogadishu and offer some sort of recognition to Somaliland – a request that has long been sought by the Department of Defense, which remains under the leadership of Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Big Oil’s renewed interest – in addition to straitened financial markets – may explain why work has been halted elsewhere in the region (AE 154/1). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kamaavi Posted January 25, 2009 Big gaalo rethinks Somalilandh. Tol beella'e where are the shababs when you need them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gabbal Posted January 25, 2009 Riyaale should name you Somaliland's press secretary and p.r guy all in one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
