Editorial
To save Puntland, peaceful elections must be held
By
Sep 14, 2008 - 7:10:32 PM

SUNDAY EDITORIAL | The faults are almost endless and have crippled the regional government, which now exists only as an institution in name.

The situation in Somalia's northeastern State of Puntland has been worsening dramatically ever since incumbent President Mohamud "Adde" Muse came to power in January 2005. The faults are almost endless and have crippled the regional government, which now exists only as an institution in name. Garowe, the administrative capital, has no police force because Muse' s corrupt Ministry of Finance will not pay government employees. In Galkayo, a strategic and economically vibrant town, suspects in police custody are gunned down inside a jail and the culprits behind this callous act of criminality walk away in broad daylight.

One wonders: What is the Puntland government doing? No surprises, since President Muse is busy – indeed, very busy signing yet another "deal" with foreign firms in foreign capitals. This time, its not Nugaal or Dharoor blocks for sale; no, the President has become more practical and is now selling the key Port of Bossaso to the highest bidder. Exactly what the government or the people of Puntland benefit from the new "deal" allowing a Middle Eastern company to manage the region's only commercial port is not clear, because President Muse has not formally presented any paperwork to the Parliament for ratification.

And therein lies the most critical point: the people of Puntland have willingly remained silent for nearly four years, as corruption and incompetence ruled the day, only to avoid bloodshed among kin. The people's patience should not be misconstrued for love of Adde Muse – rather, the people's patience is founded on the noble idea that peaceful presidential elections will be held in January, on time.

It is disheartening to hear reports that Muse and his corrupt officials are planning to open hostilities on Puntland's borders with other Somali regions, including the breakaway republic of Somaliland. It is even demoralizing when an official member of the Puntland government raises serious allegations against administration officials, accusing them of importing weapons and planning to begin a war in order to extend their term in office.

If that is Muse's ultimate plan, then he has made the unfortunate mistake of thinking that the local clans will support him. Today's silence and patience is intended to wait for January's presidential elections, but the idea of a term extension will spark bloodshed instantaneously and Muse will be the sore loser.

When Puntland was established in 1998, Muse was living in comfort in Canada. And long after he is gone, the regional authority will remain a dominant force in Somalia for decades to come. Even among Muse supporters, there is the consensus that he is a failure beyond repair. But all that is expected of his government in the remaining months is to hold elections in an atmosphere of peace and fairness.

A failure to do so might lead to the demise of Puntland, which is already teetering on the edge.

Garowe Online Editorial, editorial@garoweonline.com