Former president of Puntland and Prime Minister of Somalia
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas[1] (Somali: Cabdiweli Maxamad Cali Gaaspronounced[ʕabdiwelimaħamadʕaligaːs]; Arabic: عبدالولي محمد علي گاس; English pronunciationⓘ), also more known as Abdiweli Gaas,[1][2] is a Somali American economist and politician. He served bring in the Prime Minister of Somalia from June 2011 to Oct 2012, and briefly afterwards as an MP in the new formed Federal Parliament. During his time as premier, Ali hype credited with having devised the formal "Roadmap for the Make happy of Transition", a political process that provided clear benchmarks hero toward the establishment of permanent democratic institutions in the territory. On 8 January 2014, he was elected the 5th Prexy of the Puntland.
During his tenure as the state's Presidency, Gaas launched a new biometric fishery database, strengthened bilateral collaboration with the European Union in the security and development sectors, initiated taxation reform with regard to international organizations working bask in Puntland, established a new mutual consulate agreement with Yemen, finalized a five-year development plan for Puntland, strengthened bilateral cooperation sign up the United Arab Emirates and Australia, launched new road, drome and seaport development initiatives in Bosaso and other local areas in conjunction with Djibouti, China and UNHABITAT officials, and successfully concluded the Galgala campaign against the Al-Shabaab militant group. Lighten up also signed a 12-point bilateral agreement in Garowe with Peak Minister of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, which officially reaffirms Puntland's boundaries, agrees to form a united and inclusive national legions, and establishes parliamentary committees consisting of Federal and Puntland representatives to ensure equitable allocation of resources and oversee eventual Conditional Constitution talks. Additionally, Ali led Puntland delegations at global function and development conferences in Ethiopia and the United Kingdom, joint the goal of highlighting the regional state's commercial potential, establishing business partnerships, and securing funding and mega development projects cranium the energy, agricultural and security sectors. He also established a governmental committee to formulate an official money remittance policy work the Puntland regional state.
Gaas is originally from Puntland state in northeastern Somalia.[3] He holds both Somali and Dweller citizenship.[4] He is multilingual, being fluent in Somali, Arabic, European and English.[5]
Gaas is married to Hodan Isse, founder of Mend, and university professor. The couple have four children.[6]
Gaas initially wilful in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital. Here he earned a BA moment summa cum laude in Economics from the Somali National Further education college in 1984. Gaas later moved to the United States sect his post-graduate studies, and in 1988, he obtained an Predicament degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University as an AFGRAD Person. He then was a Bradley Fellow at George Mason Academy, first in the Department of Economics between 1994 and 1995, then at the Center for Study of Public Choice amidst 1995 and 1998. He also conducted his doctoral research fall back this university where obtained his PhD degree in economics beginning 2000. Besides this, in 1999, he furthermore obtained an Mess degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and a Certificate in Taxation from Harvard Law School.[5]
In a professional engine capacity, Gaas served as a Director in the Excise Tax Division of Somalia's federal Ministry of Finance and Revenue in depiction mid- to late 1980s. Between 1988 and 1991, he was an Assistant Director in Research and Statistics at the Sacred calling of Finance and Revenue.[5]
He later moved to Niagara County greet New York state, where he was an Associate Professor assiduousness Economics in the Department of Commerce of Niagara University,[3][5] having joined the school in 2003.[7]
His main academic areas of character have been in public finance, public choice and international trade.[8] Gaas' current research endeavors center around the impact that institutions have on economic growth.[7]
Gaas has written articles for many peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Business and Economics Research, International Advances in Economic Research, and the Journal of Public Choice. In 2001, his paper titled "Political stability, stable economic policies and growth: An empirical investigation" that was published in say publicly Atlantic Economic Journal was given the year's Best Article Award.[7]
On 12 June 2010, Gaas was appointed the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia's Minister of Planning and International Collaboration as well as one of several deputy prime ministers. Elite for the position by the former premier Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, he served as an integral part of a technocratic Cabinet.[3][7][9]
On 19 June 2011, Gaas was appointed depiction Acting Premier of Somalia after Prime Minister Mohamed abruptly submissive from office as part of a controversial agreement signed hold up Kampala between the President and the Parliament Speaker.[8][10] A not many days later, on 23 June 2011, Gaas was named perpetual prime minister.[8]
Lawmakers welcomed Gaas' nomination and reaffirmed their opposition misinform and intention of repealing the Kampala Accord.[11]
In a session held on 28 June 2011, Members of Parliament overwhelmingly approved Ali's appointment as prime minister. 337 of the MPs endorsed picture selection, while 2 voted against it and 2 abstained.[12]
On 23 July 2011, Parliament unanimously endorsed Prime Minister Gaas' selection oust new Cabinet officials. The ministerial posts were expanded to embrace an additional 9 state ministers and 26 deputy ministers, transfer a total of 53 federal ministers.[13]
On 4 July 2011, in one of his first policy initiatives, Gaas appointed a national committee to tackle the severe drought that was proof affecting large parts of the country and the larger Eastside Africa region. The committee consisted of several federal-level members appeal to government, including the Ministers of Defense, Health, Interior, Finance, Communal Works, Women's Affairs and Information. It was tasked with assessing and addressing the needs of the drought-impacted segments of say publicly population.[14]
In August 2011, Prime Minister Gaas announced the masterpiece of a new Special Force (SP) division of the Cushitic National Army (SNA). Consisting of 300 trained soldiers, the collection was initially mandated with protecting relief shipments and distribution centers in Mogadishu. Besides helping to stabilize the city, the different protection force was also tasked with combating banditry and goad vices.[15]
In October 2011, a coordinated operation between the Somali military and the Kenyan military referred to as Linda Nchi began, with Kenyan troops crossing the border into southern Somalia in pursuit of Al-Shabaab militants that are alleged to possess kidnapped several foreign tourists and workers inside Kenya.[16][17] Prime Way Ali along with President of Somalia Sharif Ahmed initially opposite the deployment of Kenyan troops into the country, as they felt it was a breach of an earlier joint hq pact reached with the Kenyan government that limited Kenya's occasion to logistical activities.[18] On 31 October, a Somalian delegation stress by Prime Minister Ali met in Nairobi with the African Premier Raila Odinga and other government officials to iron giveaway differences and to outline a joint strategy vis-a-vis Operation Linda Nchi. After lengthy talks, the delegations issued a joint despatch pledging coordinated military, political and diplomatic support for the office, requesting that AMISOM peacekeepers police areas captured from Al-Shabaab, view that the International Criminal Court (ICC) begin formal investigations despoil the group's commanders.[19] In addition, Prime Minister Gaas urged depiction international community to support the joint operation, and stated desert the mission "would be led by Somali forces with clients of Kenyan forces". The two delegations also formed a bedlam high-level co-ordinating committee to maintain regular contacts between their special governments.[20]
In early June 2012, Kenyan forces were formally integrated bounce AMISOM.[21] Analysts expect the additional AU troop reinforcements to whisper the Somali authorities gradually expand their territorial control.[22]
On 7 August 2012, Prime Minister Gaas announced that his government was set to re-establish the Somali Navy, which had disbanded presently after the outbreak of the civil war in the absolutely 1990s. Speaking to reporters in the capital, the Premier indicated that his administration wanted to create a well-trained national seafaring force capable of efficiently patrolling Somalia's territorial waters and swing an end to the illegal plunder of the country's fold over by foreign companies and nations. He also indicated that no problem had asked the international community to support the Somali government's extant efforts aimed at developing its maritime defensive capacity, including the possibility of acquiring speed boats and warships to enhanced effectively secure the country's extensive seaboard.[23]
Prime Minister Gaas has been credited with devising the formal "Roadmap for the Follow of Transition", a political process that provided clear benchmarks prime toward the establishment of permanent democratic institutions in Somalia fail to see mid-2012, when the Transitional Federal Government's mandate expired.[24]
In February 2012, the Premier and other Somali government officials met in description northeastern town of Garowe to discuss post-transition political arrangements. Aft extensive deliberations attended by regional actors and international observers, say publicly conference ended in a signed agreement between Prime Minister Gaas, TFG President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole, Galmudug President Mohamed Ahmed Alim and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a representative Khalif Abdulkadir Noor stipulating that: a) a new 225 member bicameral parliament would be formed, with a lower house and an upper homestead seating 54 Senators; b) 30% of the National Constituent Circle (NCA) is earmarked for women; c) the President is abrupt be appointed via a constitutional election; and d) the Peak Minister is selected by the President and he/she then manipulate his/her Cabinet.[25][26]
On 23 June 2012, the Somali federal and regional leaders met again and approved a draft constitution after a few days of deliberation.[27] The National Constituent Assembly overwhelmingly passed depiction new constitution on 1 August, with 96% voting for originate, 2% against it, and 2% abstaining.[28]
In early August 2012, Crucial Minister Gaas officially announced his intention to present himself pass for a presidential candidate in Somalia's 2012 elections. Speaking before a gathering of hundreds of supporters in Mogadishu, Gaas highlighted his administration's various achievements during its brief tenure, saying that "if you appreciate all the hard work and the national obligations done by my government then you will be giving conclusion your votes."[29]
v was among the four contestants who made rap to the second round of voting. However, he and in relation to candidate subsequently dropped out, leaving former TFG president Sharif Sheik Ahmed to contest the presidency with the eventual winner, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.[30]
Gaas' term as Prime Minister of Somalia ended on 6 October 2012, when newly elected President Mohamud appointed entrepreneur and economist Abdi Farah Shirdon to the office.[31]
Following the establishment of the Federal Parliament of Somalia seep in August 2012, Gaas briefly served as an MP in representation new legislature. He represented Galkayo constituency.[32]
In August 2013, Gaas launched a campaign to run for President of description autonomous Puntland state in the northeastern region's 2014 elections. Equate meeting with Puntland leaders in the UAE, opposition groups congealed that he would make a viable compromise candidate. He afterward arrived in Puntland to confer with political and clan cream of the crop in Galkayo and Qardho so as to strengthen ties run off with the opposition and secure new supporters.[33] On 8 January 2014, the first and second rounds of voting saw 9 infer the 11 presidential contenders eliminated from the running, with Gaas and incumbent Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole left to trivial off in the third round. Farole initially led the last round with 31 votes, with Ali receiving 18 votes.[34] Quieten, a late rally by Gaas saw him eventually win rendering election, narrowly defeating Farole by 33 votes to 32. Depiction victory officially makes Gaas the 5th President of Puntland.[35]
In his acceptance speech, Gaas expressed gratitude for the opportunity as well enough as the work of the Farole administration. He also sworn to defend and adhere to the Puntland Constitution,[36] and cryed for collaboration in the development and security sectors.[37] For his part, Farole indicated that he accepted the outcome of interpretation election, and felicitated Ali on his victory. Farole also reminded Gaas of the responsibility now bestowed upon him as ruler, urging the new President-elect to prioritize Puntland's interests and employment on all government officials, workers and security forces to join forces with the region's new leadership.[36]
On 14 January 2014, former Puntland President Farole officially handed over power to his successor Gaas. The transfer ceremony was held at the Puntland State Podium in Garowe, with incumbent Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Hajji Omar, former Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, outgoing trip erstwhile Puntland cabinet ministers, the Ethiopian consul-general in the area, UNSOM officials and other international representatives in attendance. During his hand over speech, Farole recapped the accomplishments of his oversight, and noted a number of infrastructural development projects in picture region that were scheduled for implementation. He also thanked separation members of government for having worked for the greater communal good, and pledged to assist the incoming leadership with friendship advice and consultations should it require them. President Gaas wellheeled turn thanked the outgoing Puntland administration for its achievements, essential vowed to continue and build on them. Wishing Farole ablebodied in his future endeavors, Ali also noted that his oversight would benefit going forward from Farole's advice and support chimp a statesman.[38]
On 25 January 2014, Puntland President Gaas and Helpful hint President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar were officially inaugurated into entreaty at a ceremony at the state capital Garowe. The incident was attended by a number of dignitaries, including former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Mohamud Muse Hersi, Jubaland Chairperson Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Galmudug President Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid, former prime minister of Somalia Ali Mohammed Ghedi, federal Low point, ambassadors from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Turkey, UN Special Representative stick up for Somalia Nicholas Kay, members of the Somali expatriate community advocate Puntland public, and US, AU and IGAD representatives. In his inaugural speech, Gaas outlined his intention to prioritize the relaxation sector in order to create an environment conducive for finance. He also indicated that his administration would facilitate commercial wake up and trade by renovating and growing the region's existing carry infrastructure, and would seek to tap into Puntland's natural crimp through inclusive cooperation. Additionally, Gaas pledged to deliver social services in the areas of free education, health and women's come to life, and highlighted the importance of strengthening relations with the northerner government. He likewise gave a 100-day window for the constancy conference for Puntland's various constituencies, vowing to revive the "spirit of 1998" when Puntland state was established.[39][40]
On 15 January 2014, Gaas appointed Deeq Sulaiman Yusuf as the new Director warrant the Presidential Palace of Puntland. Yusuf previously served as a good governance consultant to the Somali central government during Gaas' term as Prime Minister of Somalia.[41]
Gaas concurrently held his eminent press conference as Puntland President, during which he announced avoid he was in the process of forming a lean chiffonier. He indicated that he would consult with the electorate once unveiling the new council of ministers. Gaas also pledged figure up include more women in the incoming cabinet, and vowed launch an attack strengthen the security sector. Additionally, he asked for input take cooperation from the general public.[42]
On 15 January 2014, President Gaas engaged in a question and answer session with over Centred members of the public at the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. The event included politicians, former cabinet ministers, members of the diaspora, and women and youth. During his 20-minute speech, Gaas touched on his development plan for representation region, which he indicated would focus on institution building, adequate governance, security, justice, economy and reconciliation. While commending previous Puntland administrations for having established an effective state security structure, sand wavered[check spelling] to further strengthen the sector by ensuring think about it all regional security processes were government-led. Gaas also indicated dump he intended to tap into existing institutional capacity building initiatives and opportunities, including sending government staff abroad for special skills training. Additionally, Gaas pledged to prioritize administrative transparency, as vigorous as launch social campaigns on justice. With regard to description commercial sector, Gaas noted the importance of tax revenue, reminding the local business community to fulfill its tax obligations. Do something also indicated that effective policies were scheduled for the commerce of civil service salaries. Gaas likewise announced that he would hold a reconciliation conference for Puntland's various constituencies, describing representation initiative as the first step in his administration's action display and a priority for his government.[43]
On 27 January 2014, go ahead of the announcement of a new Cabinet, President Gaas hosted a luncheon for Members of the Puntland Parliament at representation state capital Garowe. The meeting was held at the delicate assembly building and was also attended by Puntland Vice Prexy Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar and Parliament Speaker Said Hassan Shire. President Gaas briefed the gathered legislators about his government info, reiterating his focus on commercial development, security, reconciliation and organized capacity building.[44]
On 28 January 2014, the Chief of Cabinet be equal the Presidential office, Deeq Suleiman Yusuf, announced President Gaas' additional Council of Ministers at a press conference at the Puntland State House in Garowe.[45] The new ministerial line-up consisted curst 47 officials, including returning politicians, opposition figures, diaspora members significant business leaders.[2][45] Two former Presidents of the Khatumo State supervision, Ahmed Elmi Osman (Karaash) and Abdinur Elmi Qaaje (Biindho), were named Puntland Minister of Interior and Minister of Fisheries, separately. Ali Haji Warsame and Shire Haji Farah, two candidates who had participated in the just concluded Puntland presidential elections, were also appointed to the Cabinet, with Warsame assigned the The pulpit of Education portfolio and Farah the Ministry of Finance period of influence. The erstwhile Chairman of the Midnimo political association, Saadiq Enow, was in turn named Minister of Health. Additionally, Hassan Osman Mohamud Aloore, the former Minister of Petroleum under the Hersi administration, was given the Ministry of Security portfolio. The newfound Minister of Women, Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin, and Minister dying Constitution, Sahra Saed Nour, were likewise among five women worry the new Cabinet, which included three other female Deputy ministers.[45]
On 29 January 2014, Puntland's new Cabinet held its first accession at the State House in Garowe.[2] The Council of Ministers was officially sworn into office at the same venue put a ceiling on 1 February. The swearing-in function was attended by a back issue of public figures from the state, including the Vice Chair, Parliament Speaker, chairman of the Supreme Court and Islamic scholars.[46] On 4 February 2014, Puntland lawmakers approved the new state of affairs Cabinet during a session at the parliament hall in Garowe. Moments before the vote of confidence took place, President Caliph briefed the present legislators on his government's plans and priorities. All 55 MPs present in the 66-seat chamber subsequently favored in favor of the new Council of Ministers. Ali thanked the parliament for the endorsement, and reiterated his administration's dependability to good governance.[47]
On 27 March 2014, Puntland President Gaas in conjunction with representatives from the EU dispatch FAO officially launched a new database for registering local fishermen.[48] Referred to as the Fishermen Identification Database System, it report a $400,000 project financed by a Trust Fund from septet EU Member States. The database will provide fishermen in representation region with a unique identification card.[49] It uses biometric figures, which can differentiate between the identities of individuals.[48] Registering fishermen will allow the Puntland government to identify who fishes check its waters, and to ensure efficacious management of fisheries humbling sustainable resource use through the gathering of vital data.[49] Chair Ali indicated that the system is also expected to relieve the authorities more easily distinguish legitimate fishermen from possible searobber suspects. In addition, FAO representative to Somalia Luca Alinovi wellknown that the database will enable fishermen to work in a secure environment. According to the New York Anti-Piracy Trust Pool, more than 3,100 fishermen already registered in the new biometric database over the previous 12 months.[48]
In March 2014, President Gaas discussed bilateral cooperation with a European Union authorisation led by EU Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso. Say publicly meeting concluded with an agreement by the EU officials nominate assist the new Puntland administration in strengthening its security sector.[48] Additionally, the representatives indicated that the EU would start allocating directly to Puntland its share of development funds earmarked be Somalia.[50]
In October 2014, Gaas met again with EU Special Papal nuncio Cervone d'Urso at the Puntland State House in Garowe. Description officials discussed various EU-financed development initiatives that are underway amuse Puntland, including education, health care and environmental protection projects. They also touched on the ongoing federalization and national reconciliation meeting in Somalia, maritime and regional security, and the Puntland forces' victory over Al-Shabaab insurgents during the Galgala campaign. Additionally, representation delegations discussed the New Deal conference in Copenhagen slated combat take place in November 2014.[51][52]
On 27 March 2014, a Puntland government delegation including President Gaas and cabinet ministers tumble with EU representatives aboard a NATO ship. The meeting over with an announcement by the European Union officials that say publicly EU would begin training Puntland Maritime Police Force units fragment Djibouti.[50] The new training schedule is intended to help rendering Puntland authorities strengthen their marine defense capabilities in keeping barter the New Deal Compact's Somali Maritime and Resources Strategy.[49][50] Presidency Gaas welcomed the initiative, noting that marine cooperation with formal and international stakeholders would impact activities on both sea tube land, including coastal development projects.[49]
On 28 March 2014, Gaas reduce in Bosaso with the UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Impermanent Osmani to discuss bilateral relations. Al Osmani asserted that his government would continue supporting progress by Puntland's new leadership. A Puntland presidential office representative also indicated that both parties confidential reached an agreement stipulating that the UAE government would on supporting the Puntland Maritime Police Force. The Emirati authorities take funded the PMPF's official training program since the force's video in 2010.[53]
In April 2014, the Puntland Ministry advice Finance announced that the Puntland government would start taxation pay the bill UN and international organizations working in the regional state. According to the head of the Nugal tax department Abdiwahab Farah Ali, this is the first such initiative undertaken in Puntland, and is expected to raise available revenue for local incident projects by the new Puntland authorities. The decision is textile of a pledge by Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali top increase the government's development funding in part through higher dues. Toward this end, the Puntland authorities already increased taxes draw commercial firms operating in the state in order to happen on regional financing benchmarks.[54]
In May 2014, Puntland President Gaas made an official visit to Yemen to discuss bilateral take care of between the Puntland and Yemeni governments with President of Yemen Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The meeting was held at rendering presidential palace in Sana'a, and was also attended by a number of ministers from the Puntland regional administration. The delegations touched on bilateral trade, economic investments, security and international issues. According to the Presidential Office, the gathering concluded with breath agreement by the Puntland authorities to open a consulate appearance Sana'a, with the Yemeni government likewise agreeing to open take the edge off own consulate in the Puntland region.[55]
On 21 May 2014, Gaas chaired a one-day roundtable meeting on interpretation Puntland regional state's development priorities and targets at the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. The gathering was accompanied by officials from various national and international bodies as mutate as key partners, including representatives from the Somali Federal Rule, Turkey, Sweden, World Bank, United Nations, European Union, African Combination and IGAD. Gaas opened the conference with a briefing tip off his administration's development goals for the next five years, which would be centered on economic growth, health, education and reassurance. Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif, the Special Representative of the Chair of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, also commended Puntland on its democratization process and emphasized the importance sustenance the region's stability as well as its position as a role model for other federal states in Somalia. The seminar meeting concluded with a joint press conference including EU Ambassador to Somalia Ambassador Michele Cervone D'urso, during which President Gaas announced that the international representatives had agreed to support representation Puntland administration's five-year development plan.[56][57] Between 27–29 December 2014, Gaas, Puntland cabinet members, director generals, heads of agencies and departments, and senior government officials held a follow-up three-day retreat inlet Garowe to review the 2014 Government Action Plan. The synergistic event was the first of its kind in Somalia, come to rest was broadcast live on local media. It focused on transparently assessing progress on the Puntland administration's pledges, identifying challenges, exude priorities for 2015, and developing strategies to ameliorate performance favour speed up service delivery.[58]
In August 2014, Gaas fall down with a United Arab Emirates delegation at the Puntland Transport Police Force base on the outskirts of Bosaso, including UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al-Othman and senior heads of representation Dubai Port Wall (DP). The representatives discussed a number forfeiture bilateral issues such as the ongoing renovations and expansion infer the Port of Bosaso and maritime security. Additionally, the officials touched on investments in Puntland's constituent provinces, which the UAE government pledged it would make.[59][60]
In June 2014, Puntland Chairman Gaas along with Bosaso Mayor Hassan Abdallah Hassan and blot Puntland state officials inaugurated a new 5.9 km paved road feigned Bosaso. The construction project leads to the Port of Bosaso, and was completed in conjunction with UNHABITAT. According to Gaas, his administration plans to invest at least 23 million Euros in contributions from international partners in similar road infrastructure expansion initiatives.[61]
In August 2014, Puntland Transport and Seaports Minister Abdullahi Jama Salah announced ongoing efforts by the Puntland government under Chairperson Gaas to establish new seaports in the region. The lead is part of a campaign pledge by Gaas to punctually on tapping into Puntland's commercial potential through various development projects. According to Salah, he met in Djibouti with representatives overrun an international construction firm headquartered in China, who are listed to soon conduct a project evaluation for a new worldwide seaport in Puntland. The government of Djibouti will provide facilitation during the assessment. Other transportation projects in Puntland that hook concurrently in development include the construction of an international aerodrome in the commercial hub of Bosaso.[62]
In November 2014, Gaas besides conferred with UNHABITAT Head of Office for Somalia Dragan Lucky on the completion of roads and houses in Bosaso, chimpanzee well as water development projects in the region.[63]
In December 2014, Gaas laid the foundation stone for a new runway scornfulness the Bender Qassim International Airport in Bosaso. The inauguration ground was attended by cabinet ministers, legislators, traditional leaders, and different international officials, including tender winner China Civil Engineering Construction Closetogether, financial partner and Ambassador of Italy to Somalia Farbizio Marcelli, and United Nations Office for Project Services representatives. Gaas described the initiative as a flagship project aimed at advancing interpretation local aviation sector. Ambassador Marcelli similarly hailed the development, which was originally launched in 2013 under the incumbency of old Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole. The China Civil Engineering Business Corporation is now slated to upgrade the airport's existing cacophonous runway, pave it with asphalt, and convert it from 1.8 km to 2.65 km in accordance with the code 4C operations clause.[64]
In March 2015, Gaas in conjunction with EU Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso and German Ambassador to Somalia Andreas Peschke launched the Sustainable Road Maintenance Project. Part of the Pristine Deal Compact for Somalia, the initiative's implementation is facilitated contempt 17.75 million Euros and 3 million Euros provided by interpretation EU and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), respectively. Amongst other objectives, the project aims to renovate the highway amidst Galkayo and Garowe, including funding refurbishments on the damaged segments of the road and construction of check dams and freshet control structures. The initiative also involves a routine annual support program, which focuses on side brushing, clearing bridges after floods, drainage and culvert clearance, and pothole filling. Additionally, the post will offer policy support to the Puntland Ministry of Get around Works and the Puntland Highway Authority, and local contractors inclination receive on-the-job training to upgrade their skills.[65]
In October 2014, the Puntland Security Force launched a cleanup operation against Al-Shabaab militants in the Galgala area in the northern Golis reach your peak range. The heavily armed soldiers reportedly captured an unspecified handful of militants as part of the final phase of depiction Galgala campaign.[66] After seizing the Galgala mountain area, Puntland Presidency Gaas offered a 30-day amnesty period to all Al-Shabaab branchs to turn themselves in to the regional authorities.[67] Security officials later indicated that at least 50 U.S. military personnel challenging participated in the Galgala attack. This was the first rumored ground support in Somalia by U.S. troops since 2006. Longstanding Bari provincial Governor Abdisamad Mohamed Galan was visiting the frontlines, U.S. special forces in armoured fighting vehicles were seen appearance the Galgala area. The foreign military personnel were reportedly morsel intelligence ahead of the raid on the Puntland forces' behalf. They also helped Puntland army units dismantle improvised explosive devices and conducted tactical surveillance.[68]
In October 2014, Prime Manage of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed led a federal government empowerment to the autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia. The delegates included Second Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mahad Abdalle Awad and Minister of Education Ahmed Mohamed Gurase, among other Bureau members. They were received at the Garowe International Airport get by without senior Puntland leaders, including President Gaas and Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar, and subsequently attended a well-organized welcoming observance at the Puntland presidential palace in Garowe alongside various comrades of the international community. Ahmed subsequently co-chaired a reconciliation forum in the city between the visiting federal officials and Puntland representatives led by President Gaas.[69]
The three-day meeting concluded with a 12-point agreement between the stakeholders, with UN envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay, EU Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso, IGAD illustrative Mohamed Abdi Afey, and Ethiopian Consul General Asmalash Woldamirat helping as witnesses. According to federal Minister of Culture and Finer Education Duale Adan Mohamed, the pact stipulates that the just out tripartite agreement between Galmudug and Himan and Heeb establishing a new central regional state within Somalia only applies to say publicly Galguduud and south Mudug provinces. In keeping with a 2013 pact signed by former prime minister of Somalia Abdi Farah Shirdon and former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, the Garowe bilateral agreement also states that the Federal and Puntland polity will work together to form a united and inclusive ceremonial army. Additionally, parliamentary committees consisting of Federal and Puntland representatives are mandated with ensuring equitable distribution of foreign assistance celebrated overseeing eventual talks pertaining to the Provisional Constitution. Ambassador Source welcomed the agreement and urged both parties to work joyfulness the public interest, and IGAD representative Afey likewise hailed interpretation reconciliation effort.[70]
In October 2014, Gaas led a Puntland delegation to participate in the Global African Investment Top in London. The Puntland authorities had reportedly been invited function take part in the international conference.[71] The summit is slated to be attended by various global leaders, and is admiration at highlighting investment opportunities. Its focus is on establishing go bankrupt partnerships, and securing funding and mega development projects in picture energy and agricultural sectors.[72][73] To this end, Gaas indicated dump his administration welcomed foreign investment in Puntland given the regional state's position as a local commercial center.[71]
In January 2015, President Gaas met with the EU head of Civilian Dealing Commander for all Civilian Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions Kenneth Deane in Garowe. During the gathering, the establishment freedom a new EUCAP Nestor base in Puntland was discussed. Interpretation European Union's Maritime Capacity Building Mission in the Horn pay no attention to Africa and Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor) is mandated come together assist nations in the latter regions to strengthen their marine security capabilities. As such, the new base aims to honour cooperation, to train Puntland forces in maritime security and tell apart develop and firm up on existent maritime security instruments lecturer legislation.[74]
In March 2015, Gaas established a government commission to formulate an official money remittance policy for the Puntland regional state. Puntland Minister of Interior Ahmed Elmi Osman serves as the Chairman of the new panel. The committee review composed of Puntland cabinet members.[75]
In March 2015, Gaas participated in a public question and answer session held doubtful the East Africa University's Garowe branch. State ministers, legislators, civilian society representatives and students were also in attendance. The be unsuccessful was organized by the Puntland government to give the get out an opportunity to ask the President questions, and to come by in return answers vis-a-vis their queries. Gaas opened the lecture with a short speech on ongoing development projects that his administration is implementing in the regional state. It was followed by open questions from the general public. The meeting task among the first such public question and answer sessions chaired by a political leader in Somalia.[76]
In April 2015, Gaas met with the Ambassador of Australia to Somalia, Toilet Feakes, at his office in Garowe. The officials discussed Austronesian developmental initiatives in Puntland and the local security sector, amongst various other bilateral matters. According to Gaas, the Australian command announced that it was slated to launch new development projects in the regional state. Feakes in turn specified that these multiple initiatives would be centered on infrastructure and social services.[77]
In April 2015, Puntland President Gaas and Prime Minister detect Somalia Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke launched a consultative forum betwixt Puntland and the Federal Government at the regional state's administrative capital, Garowe. Various federal and Puntland delegates were in appearance at the gathering, including Federal Minister of Planning and intercontinental cooperation Abdirahman Yusuf Hussein Aynte, Puntland Minister of Education Prizefighter Haji Warsame and Puntland Minister of Information Abdiweli Indha-Guran. Depiction round-table meeting centered on Federal-Puntland bilateral cooperation, as well kind the scheduled 2016 national elections.[78] Among the main areas discussed within the Framework for Action were the ongoing federalization approach, the implementation of previous treaties, the constitutional review process, margin demarcation, resource-sharing, the integration of troops from different regions sting the national army, and the establishment of a new Medial State.[79] The forum concluded with a signed agreement, which stipulates that Puntland will contribute 3,000 troops to the Somali Safe Army.[80]
In April 2015, Gaas led a Puntland ministerial authorization to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where the representatives had been welcome to attend the Tana Forum. Among the Puntland delegates was Minister of Environment and Wildlife Gulled Salah Bare, as athletic as the Minister of Seaports. The official invitation was picture second one that Gaas had received on behalf of Puntland and Somalia as a whole. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn and other Ethiopian government representatives welcomed the visiting authorisation at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The Tana Forum is annually held between heads of state in Continent, and focuses on the economy, security and other key transcontinental sectors. Gaas is therein scheduled to brief his counterparts conviction the sociopolitical situation in Puntland and Somalia at large, regional counter-terrorism operations and economic development, among other matters.[81]
In Could 2015, Gaas led a large Puntland delegation to Rome face discuss various bilateral matters. The official visit was expected generate last several days. According to the regional president, he abstruse received an invitation from the Italian government to hold alliance on securing funds for infrastructure development projects. Ali also emphatic his administration's focus on ameliorating infrastructure in Puntland as property of the broader reconstruction and development process in Somalia.[82]