Puntland cabinet ministers should share power equally amongst local tribes

Mohamud shalab

     Firstly, I would like to extend congratulations to the new president of Puntland, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas as well as the former president Abdirahman Farole for all of his achievements and accomplishments over the past five years. Last month, legislators of Puntland elected Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas as the president of Puntland. Over the past few years, Puntland has witnessed a rise in piracy, violence and instability; the shift in leadership might be the change the semi-autonomous state needs to grow and progress. The new leadership will hopefully advance the multiple political  party system and future voting within Puntland. The peaceful transfer of power coupled with the support the former president has given the current president is a historic milestone for the region. However, I am deeply concerned about the lack of power sharing between Harti clans. Unfortunately, the region’s long standing clan based politics impedes real changes from manifesting because of the inequality and bias in Puntland’s political system. The cabinet ministers are dominated by three major tribes; the Majeerteen,Dhulbahante,  and Warsangeli.

The Ahmed Harti clan, on the other hand is composed of the Dishiishe,tiinle, Gabtaanle, and Maganlabe tribes, they mainly reside in the Bari and Sanaag region with a majority of them living in the port city of Bosaso. They bring business to the region by exporting livestock and other commodities.

Nonetheless, this community has suffered greatly and still plays an insignificant role in their state’s politics; they are economically marginalized and politically excluded. They are taxpayers and the Puntland government deprives them of economic prosperity, proper education and efficient services. Moreover, they are heavily outnumbered in Puntland’s parliament and only given three seats. Since his election President Abdiweli, has vowed to prevail justice, rectify the constitution of Puntland and to collaborate to develop a more stable region, however that can only be achieved by eradicating all inequality and injustice. In the past he has proven to be a man who can lead Somalia to success let’s hope and pray he can do the same for Puntland.

The president must focus on the people’s rights including the rights of those who have been marginalized for years. This has been an issue that has been ignored for too long, it is up to president Abdiweli to do what he claims he will do and be the example for the rest of Somalia to follow.

 

Cohesion and inclusivity is what’s needed for Puntland to progress as a peaceful and democratic region. However, transitioning from a state that has witnessed corruption and tribalism within government positions for the past 15 years is not an easy task. I am optimistic that Abdiweli’s election will hopefully provide the fresh start the state needs to ease the interclan conflict and rebuild understanding between the local tribes in Puntland and Somalia as a whole.