Somalia: Puntland President appoints former security official in a new post

GAROWE, Puntland- The President of Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland, has nominated former security official for a new post, Garowe Online reports.

In a Presidential decree, which GO has seen, President Abdiwali Mohamed Ali “Gaas” appointed former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Police forces, General Mohiyadin Ahmed Muse as the commander of counter-terrorism and narcotics.

The state has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks and proliferation of militant group in the past months, which pressed President Ali to make the appointed, citing Muse’s competence and experience to carry out the duties.

Early last year, President Ali has fired General Muse for undisclosed reasons, a well-known security official who fought vigorously against the militants in Puntland region. The move has drawn a raft of public criticism and drastically undermined the weak security apparatus of the state, according to pundits.

General Muse who took major role in the fight against terrorist groups in Puntland, has also suffered severe injuries during the security operations and has vowed to continue efforts to enforce security and stability of the region.

It’s noteworthy that following his removal from his past post, General Muse has participated in the anti-terror operations against Al Shabaab fighters who seized control of several eastern coastal towns in Puntland region in March 2016.

GAROWEONLINE