Ahmed Abdi Mohamoud “Habsade”

Hargeisa, 24 November 2007 - Former first chairman of the House of Representatives of Somaliland and former strongman and Interior Minister of Puntland, Mr. Ahmed Abdi Mohamoud “Habsade” was given a warm welcome when he arrived Hargeisa ten years after he was removed from Chairmanship.

Mr. Habsade who cooperated with government delegations to Sool have been received by President Dahir Rayale Kahin on a courtesy call soon after his arrival. He had also a lunch with former colleagues in Parliament and government at Mansoor Hotel.

In his first press conference on Wednesday he stated the reasons behind his visit to Hargeisa saying: “I am here due to the change of administration in LasAnod, I would like to see existing problems get solution because no aid from agencies had reached the region for many years. It is also part of my visit to see that Somaliland administration is extended to Sool region and that LasAnod and surrounding territory get a similar development as the one I have seen at the rest of the country.”

The former chairman and strongman told the media that he met the president, cabinet ministries and other officials who were eager to help the region improved.

In answer to how he can be trusted after he defected first to Puntland and then to Somaliland again, he said; “It is not a matter of trust, I am a Somalilander we had a political conflict when I left. The situation here today is completely different. The changes that I see include Democracy, multiparty system, elections, development and the need for consultations. These are the changes that have encouraged me to come.”

In answer to his relations with traditional leaders and government officials who supported Puntland, he said; “There government of Somaliland has the jurisdiction over LasAnod. We are aware that there are opposition everywhere in the world. It is an undeniable fact that Somaliland rules Sool region. I know that there are minor problems, but this can be overcome and solved. I am sure that mistakes and shortcomings can also be tackled.”

He added; “I am not looking for a position but I am trying to get the rights for the community in Sool, the extension of administration and strengethening democratization.”

In answer to what he discussed with the President, “We discussed that Sool community take part in village, regional and national administration of the country and the realization of the extension of that administration.”

Speaking about The Bo’ane traditional leaders conference of his community, he said; “They are traditional leaders and not politicians. Politicians are not there. Any resolution reached will be incomplete and not functional. We plan to hold a General Conference enfolding all politicians, traditional leaders and intellectuals of the community to be held in LasAnod.

In response to Puntland’s claim and accusation that Somaliland is violating its territory, he said; “That is a false claim. It is evident that Puntland have never brought to the People of LasAnod. Food, medicine and student kids have been brought by Somaliland in such a short time. No one was massacred as claimed by Puntland. There was no fighting inside the town; security and stability are its highest level since Somaliland took over the administration.”

Source: The Republican