Somaliland

Somali president names political newcomer as prime minister, urges unity

October 6, 2012   ·   42 Comments

new somalia prime minster

MOGADISHU- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday named political newcomer Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid as the country’s new prime minister, a man diplomats say is untainted by the clan rivalry and feuding that has plagued Somalia for decades.

Though both the president and prime minister are new in their jobs, they will be confronted by old problems: acrimonious clan politics, rampant corruption, maritime piracy and a stubborn Islamist insurgency.

“I know (Saaid) and have selected him because he is competent. I urge the parliament and the civilians to support him,” President Mohamud said in a statement.

Mohamud and Saaid face the daunting task of trying to set up Somalia’s first effective central government since the outbreak of civil war in 1991.

Mogadishu, which until last year was engulfed in street battles between al Shabaab militants linked to al Qaeda and African Union soldiers, is now a bustling city where bullet-riddled houses are slowly being repaired and replaced.

African Union troops also pushed al Shabaab out of the southern port city of Kismayu last week, the militants’ last major bastion after a five-year revolt, but the Somali government still does not control swathes of the country and security situation remains fragile.

Al Shabaab are likely to hit back with bombings and guerrilla attacks. An al Shabaab suicide bomber on Saturday blew himself up some 30km (20 miles) from Mogadishu on Saturday, wounding two government soldiers.

Saaid has been a prominent businessman in neighboring Kenya and is married to Asha Haji Elmi, an influential Somali peace activist.

A Western diplomat said Saaid had a reputation for being above Somalia’s notoriously volatile clan politics, similar to the new president, and the news of his appointment would be welcomed by foreign governments.

“Like all the decisions the new president has made so far, this is a good one, and Somalia is on a bit of a roll with the election of (Mohamed Osman) Jawaari as parliament speaker and Mohamud as president,” the diplomatic source told Reuters.

Mohamud, a former academic and a political newcomer himself, was elected president in a secret ballot on September 10, a result hailed by his supporters as a vote for change in the Horn of Africa state ravaged by war and anarchy since 1991.

Matt Bryden, a director of Sahan Research think-tank and former UN-Monitoring Group coordinator for Somalia, said Saaid was the best candidate on the list but pointed out the inexperience of the duo may prove a potential pitfall.

“We now have a prime minister and president who have never held public office. The key question is what kind of cabinet will they appoint and from where will they solicit and attain advice,” Bryden said.

Saaid’s appointment as the prime minister will have to be approved by Somali legislators, though both analysts and diplomats said this was likely to happen without problems.

“I request the parliament and the Somali people to work with me,” Saaid said. “I will appoint the cabinet as soon as possible.”

TEAM WORK

Rampant corruption and infighting between the clans are the other two major challenges the new administration will face.

In July, a U.N. Somalia monitoring group report said it had found that out of every $10 received by the transitional federal government between 2009-2010, $7 had never made it into state coffers. Then President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed dismissed those allegations.

Saaid hails from a sub-clan of the Darood clan, which is in line with Somali tradition of sharing top three political jobs between the main clans.

The president is from the Hawiye clan and the parliament speaker Jawaari belongs to the Rahanweyn clan, a split which analyst said was vital to make sure that the majority of the country feels represented by the new government.

Previous Transitional Federal Governments (TFG) has been characterized by infighting, particularly between the president and prime minister, who always derive from different clans and have to satisfy their own power bases.

“Saaid is very close to the president and so I think we are likely to see the prime minister and president working as a team rather than working as rivals, which was one of the problems that undermined the last TFG,” Bryden said.

 

Source: Reuters

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Readers Comments (42)

  1. JayJay says:

    Buuxiye,
    I would like to educate you on few things so next time you post in this forum you do not make a fool of yourself. Puntland does not claim land that belongs to I***q people and even you should know that. It is you and your people that are obsessed with claiming our land and want us to share a country with you when we have nothing in common but animosity. Remember the man is married to a woman from western Puntland (Sanaag) so he will not agree to partitition the homeland of his wife. just keep that in mind

  2. PuntlandGeezer (PIS) says:

    a very bad choice indeed by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud by appointing this guy.
    Abdiweli Mohamed Ali was a man with a mission & he should have been a better choice to led somalia. During his term in office Somalia was a wounded nation with a fragile economy.
    Abdiweli Mohamed Ali expelled shabaab terrorists from mogadishu & brought peace to Mogadishu & somalia since 91 & empowered the somali people.

    whos gona build bridges between Puntland and Somalia now since Abdiweli Mohamed Ali is out of the picture? well certainly not Abdi Farah Shirdon Saaid.

    Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has already taken the wrong path since he was elected as the president of somalia, a path that has no return By:

    (1) Negotiating with the Ethiopian Stooge (SNM)
    (2 ) Not condemning the illegal invasion by the Ethiopian stooge (SNM) on Puntland territories.
    (3 ) Not fulfilling the road map which clearly states that somalia is federal states under the federal constitution of the road map.

    certainly Hassan Sheikh Mohamud doesn't respect or follow the somalia road map which will clearly puts him directly at odds with Puntland.

    thanks to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Somalia is doomed!!!

  3. Kayse says:

    The Somali Republic is going to recapture all its territories that it lost to separatists and pirate gangs. Make no mistake after al Shabab, they are next.

    • Jambazi says:

      Did ever occur to you that without the help of Ethiopians, Ugandans, Burundians and Kenyans Al shabab will not have been defeated. Amisom is mandated to pacify Mogadishu and land south of Mogadishu. Without Amisoms military somalia will still in the same quagmire and the admin in former Italian colonial governors villa italia renamed to villa somalia will not survived a single day. So what can fickle powerless president of mogadish and his appointed minion do to somaliland? the answer is nothing. In your mediocre shortsighted illusion you thing an imaginery army will match all the way from mogadishio to force somaliland into submission then you are in a mental delirium and you need urgent medication.

  4. Yusuf says:

    I honestly do not know the new PM, but I hope he will be better than Farmajo and Abdiweli, who by the admission of the new President have stolen every cent that they could put their hands on. Just watch the President's interview with the ABC TV.

    Two state solution is the only way forward and every living, breathing and intelligent person know that. Majeertenia must not claim parts of Somaliland, because of having tribal affiliations with some people who live in Somaliland. This is not just logically viable otherwise Ireland would have claimed big junks of the USA, because of the great number of Irish-hailing population in the USA.

  5. Kayse says:

    Part of the reason the new PM is Marehan is also to counter the developing issue in Kismayu and the Jubba regions. It will counter balance the Ras Kaboni/ONLF/Kenya/Gandhi alliance. Mohamoud might be new to politics but he is no fool he knows the issues that will challenge him and countering Kismayu with Marehan led cabinet is a calculated move and no mistake.

    The new PM will use his Kenyan influence also to counter Kenya and perhaps force them to change their mind about Jubbaland and Gandhi support.

    Also it will bring inline the Ethiopians who will also look for way to counter Ras Kaboni/ONLF alliance in those regions.

    Right now the issue is bigger than Puntland and Somaliland and Kenya wants to steal oil blocks using Jubbaland aka Azania aka "buffer zone" and Marehan offensive is the way to counter that and neutralize that region with Hawiye/Dir backing of Marehan.

    This might also alienate and isolate the ONLF from the Marehans, Hawiye and Dir and might forever loose support because of their alliance with people who want to help Kenya seize those oil blocks of the coast of Somalia.

  6. HAWIYE WARRIOR says:

    I hope Puntland/MJ take this with a cool headed approach by welcoming this new PM sincerely and not do anything foolishness it will regret in the future.

  7. khaatumo citizen says:

    My prediction has turned out to be true, Congrats to the new Prime Minister and wise decision Mr president.

    PunlandGeezer you made me laugh inadeer, why Somalia is doomed? Is it because Faroole is in hospital? Hahaha, I would advice u to give the president Shiekh Hassan a time, he is currently in a critical situation! :)

    • @Buuxiye says:

      I sense your innocence and if i could convince you to leave Somali politics alone i would…

      I have read your replies you are nice to everyone.

      • khaatumo citizen says:

        Looool you haven't seen my evil side yet. But I don't take Qabil thing too serous at the end we are all same !

  8. Ilyas says:

    ok brits' boots licker

    • HAWIYE WARRIOR says:

      LOL @Ilyas tell this buuxiye guy no matter how long your essay is it wont change a thing Somalia will not budge simple.

      • Kayse says:

        I am against opening any form of dialogue with separatists and their sympathizers. I have better ideas and channels which we could tab into the northern people and change their minds about their claims.

        I am from there and I know very well the real issues on the ground and how we can lure and woo them.

        We do not need to open dialogue with 30 or so men of Diaspora calling themselves government.

        We will invite their elders to Afgoye and give them a sweet deal they can never refuse. We will also set up special committee whose entire job is to infiltrate and hire northern businesses and intellectuals and often give them establishment and bases in the south who can woo in more people.

        This is not a war of words or photos opportunities for them, it is a war of ideologies and we will bring hardball to the table.

        If anyone is to open dialogue with them, it should be regional leaders such as Banadir governor, elders and the Interior ministry. No one else, not the president when they demanding their warlord is a president.

      • @Buuxiye says:

        Ilyas and his Sheegato cheer leaders… i will grant you your delusion for that is all you have to hold onto.

        Allah(swt) is most Merciful may we somalis show each other a glimpse of mercy.

        Yours is to not to KNOW why but only to accept WHEN!

        We have waited 21years and we will wait 216years(age of the oldest Turtle recorded) :)

  9. HAWIYE WARRIOR says:

    http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl . NFD OGADEN will be liberated Djibouti will join but to compare those with Somaliland is ludicrous. The only reason British-Somaliland got its independence briefly was for it to join Italian-Somaliland to create what we know as today Somalia.

  10. @Buuxiye says:

    I am gad you do not speak for SHEIKH Hassan who is interested in PEACE & PROGRESS for his country Koonfuria. There is ZERO incentive for HAWIYE to:

    1. Deny 2-States Joined in 1960 and our current 2-State destiny.
    2. Deny the Rights of the Majority of somaliland and their choice of independence.

    Whether you are a Hawiye sheegato or not it is illogical to accept THIS type of aggressive stance without the physical means to exert military force on the territory of Somaliland. I believe Amisom will remain in Koonfur for the foreseeable future and perhaps the remainder of our Nature lives.

    Sheikh Hassan has already made his position VERY VERY clear:

    - NO physical strategy to Reunite the 2-States
    - NO political pressures to Reunite the 2-States

    In addition to that he has chosen a PM who is also from Koonfur in order to focus entirely on developing the security of Koonfur. No awarding PM to Puntland as was traditional is a sign of his confidence in his command of the state of Somalia-Italia. Further more not awarding Pm to Puntland is a gesture of respect to Somaliland in consideration of the ongoing DIALOGUE between the 2-STATES.

    SHEIKH HASSAN is an intelligent man to change the political approach adopted by Koonfurians since 1991 and will be remembered as the man that showed the required courage to resolve the entanglement of 2-STATES.

    Sheikh Hassan is wise to acknowledge that this process began prior to his acceptance of office and he will see it through to fruition. He has left no doubt in the MINDS of both camps he ONLY wishes to PLEAD on behalf of the failed UNION and REQUEST a REUNION while at all times Giving the Somaliland population and their ELECTED OFFICIALS the deserved respect to champion their OWN desires and END RESOLUTION.

    There will be no need for another REFERENDUM in accordance with Sheikh Hassan's declaration the DIALOGUE will continue from where it left off with SHARIF AHMED and the 2-STATES only have to resolve the TERMS DISSOLUTION.

    - HOW to Divide shared assets, Foreign property and such.
    - Agree DISSOLUTION based on formed borders.
    - Agree on terms of Retention of the Blue flag! since it once represented 2-States
    - Agree on terms of Retention of the Title "Somalia Republic" since we will now have to acknowledge that Koonfur has a 20% Bantu population and hence similar to Djbouti the STATE Name cannot contain Somali.
    - Agree date of exchange of Ambassadors
    - Agree Security cooperation
    - Agree Future dates of Trade negotiations
    - Agree MIGRATION and IDPs repatriation program back to Koonfur
    - Agree dates of negotiation of extradition policies
    - Agree dates for a summit to hold a 3-way Economic forum with Djbouti to discuss SINGLE currency, SINGLE passport etc…

    We Somalis can achieve something far more productive that the IDEA of SOMALIWEYN which our clannistic people are not ready for. Basically we can share everything else accept a GOVERNMENT…

    There is no viable SOLUTION more attractive than respecting each others 1960 borders and building a RELATIONSHIP or equality and fairness that is acceptable to everyone.

    This is the only way the Population will even accept a Djbouti, Somaliland and Somalia Annual ELECTION of a Representative with mandate to develop relationships, trade, education, health and coordinate disaster relieve programs.

    NEW Relationship with 3-Independent governments = PEACE and PROGRESS while creating the platform to strengthen the position of the remaining 2-regions.

    Comprehension is not a prerequisite to Consumption and failure to digest is a deficiency within the Cerebral cortex of the reader.

    It is happening and you cannot stand in it's way for it will surely crush you without mercy…

    Puntland Jan2013 I wish i was a fly on the wall to observe this historic END.

  11. PuntlandGeezer says:

    @HAWIYE WARRIOR

    the somali road map should be fulfilled & Somalia should have federal states.
    the mogadishu regime should support the culmination of federal states such as hiiraan state, somali central state, Jubaland and bay and bakool state if not Puntland will immediately declare an all out war against Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

    Note: Garowe & Kismayo shall never be ruled from Mogadidhu

    • HAWIYE WARRIOR says:

      Its so embarrassing the way Punlanders are crying over their loss lol no PM no President not even Speaker an all out war lol get SSC back first then come talk to us about war. I'm also starting to sense sorry if i'm wrong but that the Ogadenians are not liking this neither because their archenemy the Marehans are occupying the PM seat now oh well you cant please everyone.

      • @Buuxiye says:

        :) Fantastic analysis

        Let me be the first to state that ~HAWIYE has guaranteed their Presidential Dominance for another 2 Terms. MJ will have to wait until 2020 to even begin to consider the political game. By which time MR has Held Prime Minster POST for 2 terms. Over the next two terms MR strategy should be to create the environment in Southern territories to entice the population of Putulaan. Mass migration out of Putulaan will produce the following results:

        1. Southern MJ will build political ties with MR.
        2. Lower population in Putulaan will cause economic collapse of putulaan.
        3. MR must consolidate their support base to strengthen their position in a 1man 1 vote system.
        4. MR must consolidate their own votes to ensure re-election of current team.
        5. Farmaarjo syndrome Siciid must capitalize and remain a champion of the PEOPLE!

        MJ will never ever see neither of the TOP 2 Seats ever again in a Somalia context and will have their tantrums confined to Vila Gerowe :)

        RIP Putulaan :) Muahahah politics is a *itch.

  12. mohamed cheers says:

    Folks, serious constructive discussions have taken place since the new Somalia PM nomination
    was known. All thoughts considered, my only primary concerns focus on following how the
    Roadmap strategy would move forward with all the hugh, overwhelming/impending complex crisis
    facing the new TG???. Now that the ceremonial stages seem to add up in the initial stages,
    the most complex issues are still untouched, so to speak. After all these deliberations, will
    see how the heavy-handed complexities could be navigated and salvaged through???.
    Cheers

    • mohamed cheers says:

      Con'td p2 of above.
      Oh. Btw needless to say, It would be easy for the TG of Capital Mogadiscio to rule all Somalia
      roadmap signatures under the centralized regulated laws, establishing Governors/mayors
      for all the pre existing 1984 provinces, thus cancelling the 18 so called created by Siad Barre
      ERA? Just simpyt apply the Somaliland Govt systems in full. The other most important aspect
      worth studying is that if the PM titles become more difficult to suit the Presidents, the other
      option is to change to a ceremonial VP(Vice-President) like Somaliland.
      Cheers.

  13. MarcusAure1ius says:

    @mohamed cheers

    My friend what an irony! if self determination is good for us why is it bad for others such as Puntland?

    • mohamed cheers says:

      @MarcusAure1ius,
      My dear, perhaps you could help me out on the proper answer!. Who are you sir,
      your name is funny, I mean not Somali names? Nevermind. Let me try. Depends on
      what self determination is good for all, which in others and Puntland cases penalties are
      sky high to trusting again with the Somalis helm powers. Again I feel it was unnecessary that you should tease me on the bad dark history you probably know more?
      Cheers.

      • MarcusAure1ius says:

        @mohamed cheers

        I did not mean to tease you my friend, but rather point out that we should not base our opinions on 'hate' wanting good for ourselves and bad for others is not fair. We may have differences in politics with Puntland but in the end of the day they are honourable Somali like all other Somali and so we should treat and speak of them as such.

    • LoveHargeisa says:

      You seem to be rational, are you Somali? an isaaq? Since you got non-Somali name.

      • MarcusAure1ius says:

        @LoveHargeisa

        I am both of the above, that is Somali and Isaaq.

  14. nani says:

    The president of somalia make a good direction so far,iam somalilander at this moment and i can say now iam somali and somalilander at the same time i will support the new government strongly.i will all way love my somalilander point view. but at the same time if i want deal with world for real u have to be somali not somalilander and i realise that long time ago .my brothers and siters somalilander this is the time we can suport the new government and lets focus on the positive side we all going benefit at this moment and the new leadership that our somali brothers a success

  15. @Buuxiye says:

    Dude Hawiye has Somalia-Italia on lock down for the NEXT 2 consecutive PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

    Hawiye Vision year 2020 Grand Objective: should be how to consolidate all Power and Wealth of the Somalia-Italia State within the 2-Terms :) Abgaal&Marehaan will have access to building the process of Democratic elections that will govern Future ELECTIONS. There is no more 4.5 and Federalism was created by enemies of Somalia-Italia to weaken it and stop it helping Kilil&NFD Somalis gain independence.

    CENTRAL Government in Moqadishu has FULL Power of Somalia-Italia. They can abolish Constitution and instate a Totally NEW one once the 2-STATE solution concludes and relationships agreed.

    PutuLunGrease is so bitter i am sure he has lost sleep and seems to be exhibiting withdrawal symptoms of DELUSION OF GRANDEUR :) loooool

    I really hate fake UNIONISTS :) LOL

  16. @Buuxiye says:

    Was that your attempt to express yourself in ENGLISH? i only noticed:

    - MJ are superior… really? Abdi Wali was ranked 4th position in SELECTION process.

    - PUTULUN has OIL… really? how come they only found Salty Water you can't even drink it!

    - Putulaan has 3Mill population… really? UNDP says 1.2Million with 120,000 IDPs, 60,000 oroma…. hmmm

    - Somalia Year 2020 political analysis: I'll indulge you you see Transition is finished, 4.5 is finished and this NEW government will spend next 4 years to build ELECTION process. Sheikh Hassan is popular and will get re-elected after his 1st term ends and Marehaan will keep their Prime position. Each term is 4years + year of elections hence Sheikh Hassan will stay President Past 2022 if Allah gives him life and health.

    Until 2022:
    ========

    President – Abgaal
    Prime – Marehaan
    Speaker – Rahanweyn

    Putulun will not survive past Jan2013. The Piracy and the hostage money used to build the HARAAM STATE has eroded all values:

    - 1000marine Mercenaries
    - Atom on the loose
    - Shagoole's return to gerowe
    - Omar.M-vs-Ciise.M
    - Osman.M-vs-Ciise.M
    - Leelkase uprising Jan2013
    - Dhashiishe + A.saleeban blockade Bossasso
    - HG annex Galkaciyo
    - All Media suspended
    - Martial law declared
    - Faroole term extension Jan 2013

    BoontiLaan is on the verge of an implosion SMELL the BuN brewing.

    • togdheer says:

      You need to take your medication before you go mare crazzy.consider other people your nonse comment is taking too much space.

    • Asad says:

      To answer all your silly question and badly writen comment.Adiwali ranked Thith not fourth y your diluted person.second round in The election shiekh sharif had 64 voted,hassan shiekh 60 votes,Adiwali 25 voted. Thirth round dr Abdiwali stop contesting The election need to get your facts together.

      The oil issue in Puntland is clear if you can understand The dynamics of politics,This story of There is no oil is cover up your brain is too little to conprehend That.The reason company halt The oil operation is THEY ARE WAITING SOMALIS TO SETTLE FIRST, They will resume The operation definitly There's oil in That region.

      Your very naive person in so many ways probaly your lost person somewhere in westren countries,becuase it looks you have no clue what are you talking about.remember some folks use to say shiekh sharif will come back he's popular person and so forth That did not happen infact They label him supporting al-shabab The some faith waits hassan sheikh.politics is unpredictable.so,you need to read more.

      Again your comment is ONE WAY STREET. Puntalnd is very strong state will survive any obstacle,They are too civilize to start local civil war They have The backing of monarchy system.if you want to know PUNTLAND population check encyclopedia infact They are more people live in PUNTALND Than somalilouder.

      folks like you in SOMALILAN/SOMALILOUDER should come to Their senses and face The reality drop all These nonse looking fake RECOGNITION. start cleaning hargiesa streets from The garbages reconcile all nothern somali community,Think positive come out from your caves be more civilize.

  17. Jambazi says:

    The government sitting in former villa Italia now villa somalia has no choice but accept Somaliland as seperate state. if they are intellegent and they have the best interesst of their people otherwise it will be long protracted war of which the winner will take all. And the international community would not accept another war in that part of the world. And it is not logical to force people to be part of a country which are not willing to be part of. So the only option is either accept Somaliland statehood amicably or through you will be forced to accept Somalilands statehood "saandule ayan qaran kunoqoneya" . And by the ware, Somaliland existence comes from the wishes of the people through referendum and the people of Somaliland keep on supporting this nascent polity by paying taxes, observing its laws and electing its leaders.

  18. dheere says:

    I don't Think it will happen That becuase somalia today is totaly different compare 30 years ago when barre regime use to use This formula confrontation between The tribes it's not gone work current condition in somalia.secondly,hassan sheikh he will be guided by The IC. i doubt he will be able to infertrate or start some sort of confrontation between Dar@@d clans.last but not least haw*ye will not any beef in kismayo it's Their city.

    • dheere says:

      correction.haw*ye will not have any beef in kismayo it's not Their city.

  19. mo ali says:

    GEE.
    kismayo is multiculture city it's not like hargiesa.90% of ogaden including ONLF and Ethiopian goverment reach agreement to stop The fight.so,There is no excuse ONLF will stablish base in kismayo That will not happen.

  20. Saleebaan Xaaji says:

    Three moderates in a land the radicals. Good luck to them, whether they survive or succeed remains to be seen. But, make no mistake, Somaliland is facing a new group of talented, educated, reasonable and moderate opponents, hopefully, we will some talented, educated and clever folks on our side of the table, when the negogations come..

  21. shaafici says:

    To make long story short without Puntland The new goverment will never exist The road started from PUNTLAND The IC give Them credit for That.sorry to say but haw*ye can't add 1+1 They need GPS.

    • Kayse says:

      I can see you don't even know the difference between a GPS and a calculator. Nothing else to add.

      • shaafici says:

        kayse.
        ofcourse i do know The difference between GPS and calculator.GPS is Global Positioning System it was invented U.S department of defence in 1973 it become fully operational in 1994.

        GPS uses 24 satellite orbiting The planet to pinpoint weather forecast, and The U.S military use Their drone operations.all U.S missiles are guaded GPS.

        Calculator is a device That performs arithmetic operations on numbers.

        The reason i said haw*ye needs GPS, haw*ye alone can’t create anything we somalis waited Them twenty odd years finally Other somalis and The IC bush force Them(to have goverment, even bad goverment is better without goverment).

        Coming back your case kayse,i know you advocate The unity of somalia and give you credit for That every genuine somali person do, accept The secessionist.in The other hand your trying to create “irir camp”, it’s deadly game it will not take off from The ground.somalis we had The long civil war no triba can subdue The other.

        • HAWIYE WARRIOR says:

          LOL you waited 20 years tell me what happened in 2006 ?? ill help you a little add Puntland+ Ethiopia+Abdullahi Yusuf/some traitors to come to the answer lol.


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