Puntland, a federal state and leading pioneer in northern Somalia has been land of peace since 1998 when traditional leaders, veteran politicians and academia sat for a community-wide consultation. So far we to some extent have come of age, nevertheless the road ahead is still long.
I prefer to remain silent on harrowing facts but instead focus on the progress without embroiling myself in competing interests. In this column I will be examining whether the newly elected President-economist by profession and experienced politician -Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has begun to lead the state on the path to immense development.
We had strong leaders who dedicated their lives to the public interest, thanks to the political maturity and keenness on self-reliant Puntland by the overwhelming majority of happy hardworking citizens.
I personally like the other development-loving people overcame with joy shortly after President Gaas put ‘push for self-reliance’ on display on the eve of celebrations that marked the founding day of Puntland on August 1, 2014. I do agree to this spectacular theme and remain wholeheartedly confident that he is committed to delivering on promises of 2014 Presidential Election.
We still have a long way to go!
Much has been achieved, yet much more needs to be done over the next few years and if truth be told we still have a long way to go to lay trust on our marine resources, untapped reserves of oil and gas, booming telecom industry, thriving companies and heads of livestock as well.
In regard to the communal feeling among the general public, if Puntland achieved success in much-needed sectors including development and social services infrastructure, Somalis would definitely abandon their quest for Europe and the US.
Normally, a person can come to power but his/her legacy either becomes panaromic or trivial, henceforth be determined, dedicated and too much strong leader to pose formidable challenge to the scale of challenges ahead.
Regardless of clan affiliation, proud Puntlanders might come up with ideals of cohesion and prosperity; above all we need to unite against enemy and leave local grudges aside.
Responding to my question, is Puntland ready for self reliance? –Yes!!! Because of the outstanding leadership of Puntland President Dr. Abdiweli Gaas and I emphasize the need for a chance.
I was greeted with the existence of economic hardship on my arrival in Puntland but confidently I responded to it by saying ‘his economic credentials appeased the people of Puntland’. Unpaid salaries could drag on for quite some time but at least the government needs to ensure unwavering commitment to the well being of people whose contribution will forever be remembered as milestone.
By Somali standards, hallmarks are immediately seized and politicized grievances against functioning institutions gradually exacerbate inter-clan feuds. If the government launches review into foreign exchange transactions and process vital economic data, Puntland will become springboard for Federal states.
The debate over natural resource put Puntland on the brink of political war and things are getting worse as Federal Government of Somalia continues to block development programs from Puntland. Frankly speaking, today there are challenges facing the exploitation of natural resources and unless we show off indelible strength we won’t succeed in our plans.
Given the current situation, every single day key figures within Puntland Government discover a bit more about the nature of Somali-style democracy. The construction of Midigir Bridge which serves as crucial inter-connector for long range business transport, mobile-payment method, introduction of third generation technologies, recognized democratic achievements, visible political maturity, war on terror, elimination of piracy activities are example for the kind of mini-independence for which we are encouraging by now.
Maybe push for self-reliance dream is about to come true since from those to whom much has been given much is expected.
Abdirashid M. Dahir, blogs on politics. He can be reached at ducale114@gmail.com
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This Opinion piece originally appeared on Horseed Media http://horseedmedia.net/2014/08/29/somalia-puntland-ready-self-reliance/
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