Somalia: Puntland President heads to Bosaso amid lax security

BOSASO, Puntland- The President of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas”, is expected to reach Bossaso, commercial city of Puntland region on Friday, amid worsening security situation in the city, Garowe Online reports.

Close sources tell GO that President Ali is set to hold talks with officials from the security agencies and Bari region over the recent series of assassinations that targeted government officials in Bossaso city.

The visit is aimed to reinforce security in Bari region that saw surge in attacks and proliferation of militant groups in the past months.

But lack of government salaries to the security forces is considered major contributor to the security failure in the region, according to pundits. Forces have protested in several occasions over lack of entitlements for months.

So far Puntland government has failed to arrest suspects responsible for killing 3 top officials within two weeks in Bossaso city, despite that some of them were assassinated near the Police headquarters.  

The region is also witnessing worsening humanitarian situation amidst failure of Puntland government to woo support from international community to provide aid to hundreds affected families in the region.

-Puntalnd officials violating constitution’

On the other hand, his visit coincides with growing criticism among public, as his Vice President, Abdihakim Abdulahi Haji Omar, Puntland MP, Sadiq Abshir Garaad and Puntland Minister, Abdi Jamal, have jointly supported Somaliland community bid for higher quota in the Federal Parliament. 

Somaliland elders and politicians have requested from the Somali leaders and international community for more seats in the Upper House chamber according to the power-sharing agreement between northern and southern regions of Somalia in 1960. 

However, Garaad has denied the allegation to back Somaliland community, but Vice President Omar has stated the request for additional seats didn’t violate the constitution, instead he said it aimed to reunite the country.   

GAROWEONLINE