Somalia: Mogadishu-based Think Tank holds symposium on Federalism in Puntland

GAROWE, Somalia Sept 18, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Mogadishu-based public policy research institute held a one-day few and far between symposium on Federalism in Puntland capital of Garowe on Thursday amidst growing skepticism, Garowe Online reports.

Nearly 100 people including business community members, Islamic scholars, NGO’s representatives and Civil Society activists attended the event, with the participants hand-picked in advance of the gathering questioning organizers on the behind the scenes of what Heritage Institute for Policy Studies head Abdirahman Aynte described ‘a national-level deliberations’ while giving an interview to Radio Garowe.

Over the course of the symposium, participants voiced concern about Heritage’s lopsided engagements and analysis but Aynte says their research into federalization process is inclusive.

In the interview with Puntland-based independent station, when asked about the Think Tank’s stance when it comes to Federalism, he noted that they have yet to put their position on the loose decentralization on display.

Puntland people took to social networking sites to voice opposition to the symposium and described organizers anti-federalists devoid of flawless policy.

Puntland, located in northern Somalia has pursued policy of founding prototype federal states through bottom-up approaches. 

GAROWE ONLINE