Somalia: President Ali highlights government's achievements in past 3 years

BOSASO, Puntland- The President of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” has made an address to Puntland citizens, who he discussed highlights from his three years in office in an annual year-end news conference on Wednesday evening in Bosaso, Garowe Online reports.

Unlike previous years as the government used to hold an anniversary event at the State House on January 8, Puntland administration opted to hold a news conference, highlighting government's achievements in security, politics, development and economy in the region.

-Security’

Ali said his government has achieved success in fighting militant groups, Al Shabaab and Islamic States fighters in Puntland, as military forces repulsed attacks from militants at coastal areas during fighting in last year. “We managed to push out the militants from Puntland region,” added Ali.

The security forces carried out anti-terrorism operations in all Puntland cities, that enforced security and stability in the region and fought with Al Shabaab militants in Galgala Mountain a strong-hold area for the group, said Ali.

President Ali noted his government will receive those who renounced violence and will make efforts to carry out radicalization programs for defected militants.   

-Development’

Ali said in the past 3 years his government has implemented various development projects that included the reconstruction of runways for both Bossaso and Garowe Airports, and also constructing many roads in Puntland cities. 

-Drought’

Amid persistent extreme drought conditions in the region, the President said his administration has encouraged numerous rain prayers in Puntland cities and provided humanitarian aid to thousands affected families in remote areas. However, he urged Puntland people to provide assistance to those in need and support the government in their efforts to avert the worsening humanitarian situation.

On the other hand, Ali has congratulated Ahmed Husain, a Somali-Canadian citizen, who recently was appointed by Canada’ Prime Minister as the new Minister for Immigration, Refugee and citizenship, and wished him success to carry out his duties in his new post.

He also congratulated Mohamed Osman Jawari, for his victory to be re-elected again as the Parliament Speaker of the newly inaugurated Federal Parliament, after winning the ballot on Wednesday.

In his address, Ali spoke about his government efforts to support institutions, provide training to teachers and introducing bills that promoted women protection and fight against gender based violence.

However, the address comes at a time where the region is facing huge economic challenges and security deterioration attributed to lack of government salaries to military forces and civil servants for over months. The Public has also staged demonstrations several times last year to protest of soaring commodity prices that affected vulnerable communities in the region.  

GAROWEONLINE