Garowe, July 11, 2023.

COUNTER PROPOSAL TO FORMER POLITICIANS’ TAKE ON PUNTLAND STATE CURRENT AFFAIRS

WHEREAS these politicians didn’t take into account the principle of “Do no more harm” to an already fluid political and security situation;

WHEREAS their released text and overall message send conflicting messages;

WHEREAS their recommendations lack sound judgment on real and potentially contentious issues of the day;

WHEREAS they ignored the fact that SSC Regions are struggling to secure their own liberation from Somaliland repression, and the fate and destiny of the residents are still in limbo. The residents are not yet ready for political campaigning to select Puntland House of Representative members. For them, it is not business as usual anymore.

WHEREAS not amending Puntland Constitution is tantamount to keeping 25 years old status quo,

AND WHEREAS they are proposing a confusing and mixed-up scenario of the old traditional system and multiparty participation, adding fuel to an already volatile situation;

Warsame Digital Media WDM instead proposes the following:

1. Agree to holding Council Elections for the remaining three districts of Garowe, Dangorayo and Godob-Jiiraan in Nugaal Region;
2. Agree to disband Nugaal rebellious units to integrate them into regular Puntland State forces;
3. Encourage opposition elements to open dialogue with Puntland State officials;
4. Agree not to interfere in the constitutional mandate of Puntland House of Representatives;
5. Recognize that Puntland Political Associations and Puntland Government have already reached an understanding on most sticking points in Puntland Democratization Process;
6. Understand the current situation that people in the entire region are deeply engaged in the self-defense of the residents of SSC and that they do not need sidetracks from their main objective;
7. Encourage and commend the current Puntland Administration for making big strides in Puntland State’s long-sought elusive transition to democracy.

WDM