President says Puntland sets example in recovering Somalia

BOSSASO, Somalia, January 9, 2016 (Garowe Online)- Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has praised Puntland on progress in transport infrastructure in speech in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso on Friday evening, Garowe Online reports.

At an event marking Puntland President’s second anniversary in office, Mohamud delivered lengthy remarks focused on grand opening of Bossaso International Airport, Puntland’s major stride in economic sector, security and prevailing political situation.

He admitted that the Northeastern State is now an example that should be emulated across a country recovering from a two-decade old conflict.

On Federalism, he underscored how Puntland buoyed the federalization process with all-out effort, saying the dream has come true but the country has still a long way to go.

While taking barbs at Puntland’s failure to move away from clan-based representation, he indicated that 2016 electoral transition might not make more enhanced system possible as has been the case in Puntland over the last 17 years.

He said Somalia cannot shun opting for 4.5 power sharing formula, without elaborating.

Meanwhile, Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has once more unveiled his state’s insistence on region-based model.

On January 11, Somali political leaders will gather for crucial meeting in the southern port city of Kismayo. 

GAROWE ONLINE