In 2004 Transitional Federal Government (TFG) election, Abdullahi Yusuf, then President-elect was asked why didn’t he appoint a prime minister hailing from Habar-Gedir Hawiye subclan? His answer was astounding. He raised the question: “Who has captured and holds still non- native Somali territories by force? Shall we also reward them with leadership roles in my government?”
In assessing most recent political election in Puntland State, the outcome was not surprising to many. There was severe election violence in the heart and Seat of Puntland Government, Garowe, the Capital City. Few doubted that this would have tremendous impact on the Presidential Election this time around. Presidential candidates implicated in Garowe and Bosaso election violence during Puntland Council Elections performed poorly in this Presidential Election. They have also earned the ire of residents of other regions of the State. Hopefully, this mediocre result of this Presidential Election will serve both as a useful lesson and reminder that violence for political objectives won’t pay, and remaining local councils be allowed to proceed in Nugaal immediately. Puntland State needs peaceful development, civilized debate and discourse in managing public affairs.
However, the only silver-lining in recent Garowe political experiences is that the infamous so-called “Entitlement” for the post of Puntland Presidency is over, and that parliament selection by traditional clan system has finally hit the rocks and ran into dead-end. So be it.
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Warsame Policy & Media Network (WAPMEN) 