GAROWE, Somalia Jan 29 (Garowe Online) - The regional president of Somalia's Puntland State government formally appointed a petroleum director who will help steer oil policy in the coming four years, Radio Garowe reports.
A decree issued Thursday and signed by Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "Farole," Puntland's new leader, officially named Mr. Isse Mohamud "Dholowa" to lead the Minerals and Petroleum Agency, which falls directly under the president's office.
Mr. Isse Mohamud "Dholowa," Puntland's new petroleum director
The previous administration in Puntland, led by ex-President Adde Muse, had established the region's first Ministry of Petroleum, which led efforts to boost oil exploration in Puntland by Australian and Canadian firms.
In 2005, President Farole became embroiled in dispute with then-Puntland President Muse after the latter inked a highly controversial exploration contract with Australia's Range Resources, Ltd., giving the small mining firm exclusive rights to minerals and petroleum found in Puntland.
Farole, who was Muse's planning minister at the time, strongly opposed the deal on grounds that Muse sidestepped the political process by keeping the Puntland parliament in the dark.
Muse's oil deal sparked deadly battles in erstwhile peaceful Sanaag region in early 2006, forcing Range Resources to suspend operations there.
President Farole's position on oil contracts is not clear yet, but he has been a fierce advocate of Puntland's right to self-manage its resources and share with the Somali people.
Source: Garowe Online
