The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has returned to Garowe today after a diplomatic mission to several countries. His journey aimed at creating new partnerships and development opportunities for Puntland. One of the key destinations during the President’s trip was the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Garowe, Puntland, SOMALIA.
During his travels, the President held meetings and discussions with members of the Puntland diaspora living in the UAE, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The primary focus of these engagements was to inform the diaspora about investment opportunities available in Puntland and encourage the diaspora’s participation in the region’s development.
The specific outcomes or agreements from the President’s meetings and discussions during the trip were not mentioned. However, it highlights President Deni’s efforts to establish beneficial partnerships and engage with the Puntland diaspora to harness their potential for the region’s advancement.
The return of the President to Garowe signifies his renewed focus on the democratisation of Puntland. He must assume leadership in implementing the landmark one-person, one-vote presidential and parliamentary elections.
Opposition gathering in Garowe
The same day President Deni returned to Garowe, Puntland opposition leaders convened a consultation meeting to discuss the upcoming elections. The conference, announced last week, takes place today and tomorrow (11 October). The Puntland government upholds the freedom of assembly and association as the Puntland Constitution enshrines, guaranteeing individuals the right to hold public meetings.
The opposition politicians from nine regions of Puntland gathered in Arlo Park, on the outskirts of Garowe. The gathering comprises various segments of society, presidential candidates, and opposition party members. The conference anticipates producing crucial decisions that will have implications for the 8 January elections.
To address the security situation in the capital and manage the influx of politicians attending the consultation meeting, the Nugaal Regional Security Committee assured the politicians’ safety. The Committee guaranteed the politicians’ protection by the security forces. Furthermore, it emphasised that no illegal weapons would be permitted in the capital during this period.
