Puntland state anniversary – 1st August

Puntland is a region in northeastern Somalia which has its centre on the town of Garoowe, the Nugal province and its leaders declared the territory an autonomous 1998 which has since developed signs of good governance and administration.

Delegates numbering 400 from the region took part in a meeting for state-formation meeting where they agreed to dismantle the rebel factions active in the area namely SSDF (Somali Salvation Democratic Front), SNDU (Somali National Democratic Unit) and USB (United Somali Party). High level officials from the rebels signed the document that was to make their armed struggle over thus the birth of Puntland. They were Mohamed Basher Haman of SSDF, Ali Abdi Ismail Giir SNDU and Mohamed Abdi Hashi of USP.

Abdullahi Yussuf, was the first regional president that was elected in this meeting and his deputy was Mohamed Abdi Hashi. Both were sworn in immediately in the gathering.

On the other hand, a record number of 13 Reconciliation and state formation conferences were held outside Somalia from 1991 to 1998 for the numerous rebel factions headed by notorious warlords to lay down their arms and form central government but all proved to be fruitless efforts and the dire humanitarian situation changed for the worse by then.

The casualties and hard times passed during the estimated 25 years of civil war in Somalia is a picture that is hard to paint for the current generation and left an indelible mark of sorrow on the psychology of those who were present.

Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel and Somalia is regaining its past glory.

Goobjoog News