Puntland president delineates government achievement

9 Jan 9, 2010 - 10:28:39 PM



The president of Somalia’s Puntland state presented his government achievements since taking office in January 2009.

President Dr. Abdirahman Mohammed Farole, who hosted tradition elders, Islamic scholars and government officials in Garowe Presidential Palace said on assumption of office, his government has managed to address the economic and social problems facing the population.

He pointed out that due to the realisation of economical growth, the security forces and government workers were fully paid on time in the year.

Dr. Farole said his government was forced to take drastic measures to make sure the growth of the economy, underlining that security is also paramount.

On security situation, the president said his government made it as matter of urgency
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“For every government, the first responsibility on its shoulders is to make sure it has security forces and that is what we have done. The security forces are better paid now unlike previously,”

Islan Ise Islan Mohamed, one of the elders who addressed the guests in the ceremony, urged the people to work with government in order to curb the instability.

President Farole however blamed the escalating conflict in southern Somalia as the main causer of insecurity, which takes advantage of clan warfare in the region.

The president said his government was also able to do a lot about the social welfare such as education and health issues. He pointed out that more than one million children were vaccinated last year alone.

On the education, Farole said the ministry employed 200 new teachers and worked on the fusion of the curriculum of the schools in Puntland.

Speaking about the piracy phenomenon in the high seas, the president said his government, without much support from international community, has successfully eradicated from Puntland-controlled areas such as Ely and Gar’ad towns, famously known for being safe haven for pirates.

He said the sea-gangs are now operating from Harardhere town, adding that Puntland security forces jailed more than 200 pirates last year alone.

He appreciated clerics’ efforts of creating awareness on how piracy is bad and considered sin in Islam, a move that saw many youths abandon the vice.