Somalia: Puntland President departs for NCF amid grievances

BOSSASO, Somalia, January 10, 2016 (Garowe Online)-The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali has departed port city of Bossaso on Sunday for National Consultative Conference in the southern port city of Kismayo against the backdrop of a growing frustration among locals, Garowe Online reports.

The President’s trip comes in the midst of grievances brewing over government’s administrative drawbacks in the state’s most populous city.

Garowe Online has learned that local clans lodged complaints with Ali during his brief stay for the grand opening of Bossaso international airport through overnight on Saturday.

Bossaso’s buzzing businesses have reportedly been paralyzed by counterfeit shillings rejected by the country’s highest monetary authority as illegal, staggering tariffs and henchmen favored by government for lucrative projects.

Depreciation of Somali shillings against U.S. dollars has hit record low, with already destitute households most affected.

Bari Governor Yusuf Mohamed Weays Dhedo has also informed hotel managements about directive banning political gatherings.

Puntland President will return to Bossaso to allay the local complaints, sources said.

--Conference postponed by one day

Jubaland spokesman Abdinasis Serar Mah has confirmed that Kismayo national consultative conference has been postponed by a day until Monday.

Somali political leaders including federal leadership are flocking to Kismayo for the crucial political gathering.

Mah quashed reports alleging that some leaders will not attend Kismayo forum.

He expressed his optimism about the outcome of the conference, confirming that politicians held separate meetings in advance.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke brokered an understanding between Jubaland and Southwest State leaders in Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE