Somalia: Puntland MPs dismiss government’s claims over achievements

GAROWE, Puntland- State parliamentarians of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, have dismissed claims of government’s accomplishments in the past 3 years during an annual official address by Puntland President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” last week, Garowe Online reports.

In an interview with Radio Garowe (RG) Puntland MPs; Burhan Adan Aw-Abdi, Ga’ashe Mohamed Ahmed and Nuradin Abdirashied, described the accomplishments as “false” and said it was not supported by any facts.

The parliamentarians noted that the current administration led by President Ali, did not present any official agreement between Puntland and a country or international companies willing to implement development projects in the state.

They criticized President Ali for poor government policies to tackle challenge facing the state, including huge economical downfall and drought.

The parliamentarians said the ongoing projects in the state are mostly funded and implemented by international organizations not the state government as it claimed.

Asked about Puntland Parliament’s stand on the current performance of the government, they said the Parliament should deliberate on the issue to tackle challenges.

However, the MPs have revealed that they demanded from President Ali to bring forward agreements made with foreign companies but indicated their request is yet to be met. They also criticized the government for failing to pay the salaries of security forces and civil servants for over two years.

The MPs accused the government of “ineffectiveness” in the drought relief response, claiming the state has received a financial donation of $ 1 Million, which still hasn’t been utilized to effectively help the drought victims.

They blamed other MPs for not upholding responsibilities to serve the interests of the people they represent and not ensuring accountability

This comes following a recent official address by Puntland President Ali highlighting his three years in office in an annual year-end news conference on Wednesday in Bosaso.

GAROWEONLINE