Puntland protests continue
SOMALIA: Puntland soldiers revolt over unpaid wages and demonstrations in major towns
On Friday, hundreds of demonstrators marched through the streets of the major towns of Bosaso and Gardo in Puntland State of Somalia.
MAY 11, 2013
These protests were in support of the soldiers who deserted their camps over unpaid wages. The demonstrators also called for the President Abdirahman Farole and his government to step down.
In Bosaso the government forces used bullets and technicals to disperse the protesters, officials say no one was injured.
The vice president of Puntland Gen.Abdisamad Ali Shire is currently in Bosaaso, he is leading the negotiations with the military officers over their unpaid salaries.
On Tuesday more than 600 soldiers of Daravish forces abandoned their positions in Golis Mountains where they have been battling Al Shabaab militants. When the soldiers entered Bosaso city, they quickly surrounded the seaport and the main central Bank.
Last month the Puntland government announced that they will cut the employee’s wages 30%. Most government employees in Puntland have not received any salary since February.
Friday’s protests also came just a day after former Puntland President Gen.Mohamud Muse Hersi (Adde Musse) called for a national dialogue.
Gen.Adde warned the government not to go ahead with the planed local elections in June.
The former President accused the government of hijacking the democratization process; he says the current political parties do not represent the people.
“..Without the voter registration, without district borders and security, there can be no free and fair elections in Puntland…the government is trying to marginalize the people…”said Gen.Adde during a press conference at his residence in Gardo town, Karkaar region. He added “…we know the incumbent president is sending his henchmen to several cities in order to organize a sham election, we have warned the government once before and we are warning them now not to go ahead with this deception…”.
The former President called on the traditional leaders to take their role to unify once again all the regions of Puntland. Adding that the only way out of the current insecurity and division is to elect transitional parliament and government that can implement and organize free and fair election in 2014.
https://horseedmedia.net/2013/05/11/somalia-puntland-soldiers-revolt-over-unpaid-wages-and-demonstrations-in-major-towns/