Tag: finance

WDM Vision for Puntland State Progress

 February 23, 2025 

Introduction: Unleashing the Power of Puntland’s Global Network
Imagine a future where Puntland’s diaspora—scattered across continents as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and advocates—becomes the backbone of the region’s transformation. According to World Bank estimates, diaspora remittances already fuel 15-30% of Puntland’s GDP, but their potential extends far beyond finances. Their skills, innovation, and cultural ties are untapped goldmines. At Warsame Digital Media (WDM), we propose a bold, structured vision to channel this potential into security, stability, reconstruction, and inclusive growth. Ad-hoc contributions are over; it’s time for systemic, accountable collaboration.

The WDM Vision

To transform Puntland’s diaspora into architects of sustainable development through transparent partnerships, innovation, and shared purpose.

Strategic Priorities: A Blueprint for Impact

  1. Security Enhancement
    • Strengthen defense capabilities and counterterrorism resilience.
  2. Stability Promotion
    • Foster governance reforms and community-led peacebuilding.
  3. Reconstruction & Infrastructure
    • Rebuild critical assets with sustainable, diaspora-driven investments.
  4. Economic Growth
    • Ignite job creation through entrepreneurship and SME support.
  5. Trust & Transparency
    • Embed accountability at every level of engagement.

Policy Framework: From Ideas to Action

A. Security Sector Support

  • Diaspora Defense Fund (DDF):
    A transparent platform for contributions (cash, equipment, expertise) to the Puntland Defense Forces.
    • Example: Fund community-led drone surveillance in conflict zones, inspired by Kenya’s Nyumba Kumi model.
    • Oversight: Independent audit committee with diaspora reps to review quarterly impact reports.
  • Expertise Exchange Program:
    Deploy diaspora professionals (e.g., cybersecurity experts) for PDF training via virtual workshops or on-site missions.

B. Stability & Governance

  • Diaspora Peacebuilding Grants:
    Fund NGOs and elders leading reconciliation programs, like inter-clan dialogues in Galgala Mountain ranges.
  • Humanitarian Aid Coordination:
    Partner with diaspora NGOs for targeted aid delivery (e.g., drought relief in Nugal).
  • Diaspora Advisory Council:
    Formalize diaspora input on anti-corruption reforms, modeled on Ethiopia’s diaspora boards.

C. Reconstruction & Infrastructure

  • Adopt-a-Project Scheme:
    Sponsor schools, hospitals, or roads with naming rights (e.g., “Garowe Tech Hub by Toronto Somali Association”).
  • Transparency Portal:
    Real-time digital dashboard tracking budgets and progress, akin to Somalia’s Wadajir Platform.
  • Tax Incentives for PPPs:
    10% tax rebates for diaspora investments in renewables or port infrastructure.

D. Economic Growth & Innovation

  • Diaspora Investment Authority (DIA):
    A one-stop shop for expedited licensing, land leases, and mentorship.
  • Venture Capital Fund:
    Match diaspora investments in high-growth sectors like agriculture, fishery, animal husbandry, and solar energy (see Djibouti’s agro-processing success).
  • Job Creation Rewards:
    3-year tax holidays for businesses creating 50+ local jobs.

E. Accountability & Trust-Building

  • Anti-Corruption Safeguards:
    Mandate competitive bidding for diaspora-funded projects + whistleblower protections.
  • Diaspora Oversight Committees:
    Include diaspora reps in procurement reviews to ensure accountability.

Implementation Roadmap: Steps to Success

  1. Launch a Diaspora Liaison Office (2025):
    Resolve disputes, streamline processes, and provide real-time updates.
  2. Host Annual Diaspora Summit (2026):
    Rotate between Garowe, Galkayo, and Bosaso to align priorities and celebrate contributors.
  3. #PuntlandRising Campaign:
    Viral social media drive showcasing diaspora success stories.

Why This Works: Incentives & Impact

  • Recognition: Annual “Diaspora Patriot of the Year” awards.
  • Cultural Bonds: Sponsor heritage tours for diaspora youth to reconnect with roots.
  • Measurable Outcomes: Annual reports tracking GDP growth, jobs created, and security gains.

Conclusion: A Call to Build Together

Puntland’s future hinges on turning its global diaspora from spectators into nation-builders. This framework—rooted in transparency, innovation, and inclusivity—offers the blueprint.

To the Puntland Government: Institutionalize this policy to harness global Somali expertise.
To the Diaspora: Invest your skills, capital, and voice in a homeland ready to rise.

Together, a secure, prosperous Puntland isn’t just a dream—it’s within reach.

Warsame Digital Media | Bridging Policy and Progress
February 23, 2025 | https://ismailwarsame.blog | @ismailwarsame

Engage With Us:

  • What project would you sponsor under the Adopt-a-Project Scheme? Comment below!
  • Share your vision for Puntland using #PuntlandRising.

WHERE IS THE QUESTION PERIOD IN PUNTLAND PARLIAMENT? ARE THEY COMFORTABLE BEING PERPETUALLY RUBBER-STAMPED LIKE THEIR COUNTER-PARTS IN SOUTH-CENTRAL SOMALIA?

WDM EDITORIAL

Puntland House of Representatives is currently holding its 55th Session. Among the dignitaries and guests in attendance are Puntland State MPs in the Federal Parliament in Mogadishu, South-Central Somalia. It is an important session, given the fact that Somalia is at crossroads between a failed state again and the survival of the Federal System Somalis agreed upon,  following the Civil War. We will be watching whether they can meet the challenges ahead.

In the meantime, let us remind ourselves that the main function of any parliament is government budget allocations and approval. This involves scrutiny, approval, and follow-up of expenditures consistent with budget allocations. It involves investigations of abuses and mismanagement of this budget. It ensures appropriate and competent financial personnel are appointed by an independent commission. It checks out that the government must have independent auditors and accountants in the financial system, starting with the Auditor-General and Chief Accountant. Barring major economic and natural calamities, the government budget must meet with approved allocations. If not, questions must be raised to expose any malpractices. Critical public services, public law and order, and government operations must be maintained as sine qua non for the state’s existence and survival.

Parliament committees must be active and engaging to carry out their duties as functioning representatives of the people. Government officials and executives, including the State President can be summoned anytime to answer parliament questions in the people’s interest, consistent with the principles of checks and balances of power. These legislative duties should be ongoing as a routine of parliament function. Without this, we can’t have an independent parliament. A dangerous situation develops when the Executive Branch unconstitutionally takes all power from the other two branches of the government, producing a rubber-stamped House of Representatives. When the State President becomes too powerful and unresponsive to an independent parliament, it leads to a government system called “Madax-ka-Nool” in Puntland State – a Somali term coined by the people of Puntland State many years ago, but now used widely throughout Somalia.

We wish them successful session.

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Postscript. Puntlanders don’t realise that the State President has two functions – he is the Head of State and he is Head of Government (Prime Minister). As Head of Government, he is subject to scrutiny by the LEGISLATIVE like any other minister in the government.

MEETING OF FGS AND FMS FINANCE MINISTERS CONTINUES IN SLOW PACE IN MOGADISHU

Informed circles said that finance meeting is still underway with no progress reported so far on the sticking points that include equitable sharing of foreign grants and aid to Somalia from different sources such as World Bank and IMF, among others. Two issues complicate the agenda to reach consensus, according to the observers:

1. FGS Finance Minister, Dr. Elmi Mohamud Noor, is new to the portofolio, unable to be decisive without prompt from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, not the Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre as the CEO. This fully indicates that President HSM is micromanging executive decisions of the Cabinet.

2. There is no approved framework or sharing formula to adhere to by finance ministers in this meeting.

For the meeting to be successful, consensus must be reached between FGS and FMS. This becomes difficult as the FGS attempts to dictate its wishes on others and take unilateral decisions, avoiding collective and shared responsibilities in running a federal republic. For example, FGS had allocated and sent a portion of latest SDR (Special Drawing Rights) from IMF to Somalland – no consultation with FMS and no input or contribution to the debate by Somaliland Administration.You can’t devise responsible fiscal policy without accepting required fiscal federalism this country needs. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should recognize and accept the socio-economic realities in his own country.

FISCAL FEDERALISM

Ministers of finance of the Federal Government and Federal Member States will be gathering in Mogadishu tomorrow. The issue is working relationships and resource sharing. In other words, it is about fiscal Federalism. There is no policy, no guidelines and no regulations to adhere to. These finance ministers meet often in ad hoc fashion, always addressing stalemate in working relationships or complaints from ministers of Federal Member States. Federal Finance minister is always the target of these complaints. The issues often end up in political compromise and bargain with the endorsement of respective political bosses. That is a difficult socio-economic environment to operate.

The bigger picture of the issue, though, lies in incomplete constitutional framework that most leaders see no urgency to tackle with. Completing the incomplete Federal Constitution would define the powers of states and shared responsibilities. Until that happens there will be always frictions, mistrust and potential abuses by the Federal Government in Mogadishu.

Payment transfer and distribution must follow by guidelines and regulations on resources sharing approved by legislative bodies. This makes the job of finance management tools and personnel easier. Unfortunately, some officials prefer to work under the cover of darkness and closed-door deals. This is what is happening now.

Postscript

As predicted, political bosses will gather in Mogadishu to iron out differences on fiscal Federalism.