Puntland Its Time To Face The Music

[dagameison]

Below is a wiki leak from 2009 regarding president farole. I think it's spot on

SUBJECT: PUNTLAND MOVING FURTHER AWAY FROM THE TFG

Classified By: AMBASSADOR DONALD YAMAMOTO. REASONS: 1.4 (B) AND (D).

1. (C/NF) Summary. The newly elected President of
Puntland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "FAROLE," told the
Ambassador on March 14 that he felt Puntland was not being
represented within the Djibouti peace process, and that UN
Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG)
Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah was an obstacle to progress. FAROLE
said he wanted a decentralized federal government for Somalia
and said he would oppose a Hawiye led centralized government.
He argued for a "bottom up" approach whereby each region of
Somalia established a functioning local government first,
from which the local governments could come together and
establish a federal system. FAROLE asked that the
international community not lift the arms embargo on Somalia
because he said it would arm the "Islamists" in the south,
and start a civil war. FAROLE also argued against
international recognition of Somaliland, which he predicted
would bring war with Puntland. He said Puntland was ready to
fight piracy with help from the international community.
Lastly, FAROLE asked that USAID open an office in Puntland.
The Puntland Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation, Farah Dala, and the Minister for the
Democratization Process, Dr. Abdi Hassan Jum'ale, were also
in attendance. End Summary.

UN SRSG Ould-Abdallah "is a closed road"
----------------------------------------

2. (C/NF) FAROLE opened by complaining that the Djibouti
peace process was not representative of all of Somalia, and
he argued that UN SRSG Ould-Abdallah was ignoring Puntland,
and was an obstacle to progress. FAROLE provided the
Ambassador a copy of a March 4 letter from FAROLE to the SRSG
laying out Puntland's position on the peace process and its
requirements for moving forward. The letter says that if
Puntland is not given a formal voice in the selection of new
senior officials, then Puntland will not recognize those
officials as legitimate. (Note: The full text of the letter
is included below. End Note.)

3. (C/NF) FAROLE considered Puntland to be the current real
government in Somalia because he said the Transitional
Federal Government (TFG) did "not really exist as a
government yet." He went on to reiterate that the TFG did
not represent Puntland, and he noted that the additional 275
parliament members were "elected by no one," and "they were
picked to support President Sheikh Sharif." In response to
the Ambassador's query, FAROLE said Sharif had made no
attempt to reach out to him. FAROLE said he had been
contacted by Prime Minister Sharmarke, and noted that he had
warned Sharmarke not to allow himself to be used by Sharif
against Puntland. (Note: FAROLE and Sharmarke are both from
the Darood/Majerteen subclan. End Note.) On the recent
acceptance of Sharia law by Sharif, FAROLE feared that true
agenda of the advocates of Sharia was to replace the TFG
charter and government entirely with a cleric-led government.
He believed the advocates would not be satisfied by a TFG
that only adopted a few moderate Sharia principles "to appear
in compliance with Sharia law."

Hawiye vs. Darood a Key Issue
-----------------------------

4. (C/NF) FAROLE said the Hawiye clans, who now control
Mogadishu, want a highly centralized government that they
control. He said his Puntlanders wanted a decentralized
government in a federal system. He asserted that the Hawiye
think their control of Mogadishu gives them "legitimacy" to
rule Somalia. FAROLE and his ministers went on to explain
how they and their families (meaning their Darood clansmen)
had been expelled from Mogadishu and their property
confiscated by the Hawiye when Siad Barre's government fell
in the early 1990s. FAROLE said these issues still remained
to be resolved, and he asked "who says Somalia's capital has
to be Mogadishu?" (Note: The Hawiye and Darood clans are
the two largest and most powerful clans in Somalia, although
both are plagued by internal subclan divisions. End Note.)

An Argument for a "Bottom Up" Approach in Somalia
--------------------------------------------- ----

5. (C/NF) A "bottom up" approach would be better, FAROLE

ADDIS ABAB 00000648 002 OF 003


argued, where a federal system would be created after all the
regions of Somalia established local governments or states.
Once each area of Somalia had a state government, then the
states could get together to establish a federal system. He
said the "southerners" needed to get their "own house in
order" before looking to establish control over Puntland. He
asked "why should the TFG rule Puntland when they can't even
establish order in Mogadishu and southern Somalia?" FAROLE
said although he was supportive of a federal system, he
suggested that there might be better alternative systems than
the TFG as currently configured.

FAROLE: "Do Not Lift the Arms Embargo"
--------------------------------------

6. (C/NF) President FAROLE insisted that the international
community not lift the UN arms embargo currently imposed on
Somalia. He predicted that such an act "would open the door
for another civil war" similar to what Somalia experienced in
the early 1990s. FAROLE asked rhetorically, "why would the
international community want to provide arms to Islamists who
want to take over all of Somalia?" He said Sharif wants to
arm 10,000 troops, and asked, "what do you think he wants to
do with those troops?" suggesting that those troops could be
used against Puntland.

FAROLE: "Do Not Recognize Somaliland"
-------------------------------------

7. (C/NF) International recognition of Somaliland would
lead to open war with Puntland, FAROLE predicted, because
once recognized the Somalilanders would attempt to resolve
their border dispute with Puntland by force. FAROLE was
adamant that the United States not grant the recognition the
Somalilanders were seeking. FAROLE said he was aware that
the Somalilanders had recently met with Ambassador Rice, and
he understood that she was "sympathetic" to their request.
He insisted that recognition, if it was to come, should come
from the Somalis first, then the international community.
FAROLE said his government did not want conflict with
Somaliland, but underscored that they would not adhere to a
colonial border "set by the British and the Italians, but not
by us." Rather, if one looked at reality on the ground, the
people in Sool and Sanaag areas were Puntlanders, not
Somalilanders, FAROLE said. In response to the Ambassador's
query, FAROLE said he had had some contact with Somaliland
President Kahin, but said Kahin did not want to be seen
talking with him prior to the upcoming Somaliland elections.

Puntland Ready to Fight Piracy, with Help
-----------------------------------------

8. (C/NF) On the issue of piracy, FAROLE said the
international community "had it wrong." He said the only way
to combat piracy was from the land, not from the sea. He
criticized the international community for spending huge
amounts of money with no results. He asserted that for the
cost of one of the naval ships now patrolling off Somalia, a
program could be established in Puntland with a 500 man
security force and a few speedboats that would end the piracy
problem. He also thought any new counter-piracy program
should be headquartered in Puntland, and not in Djibouti.

Request for Assistance from Washington
--------------------------------------

9. (C/NF) Lastly, FAROLE wanted more assistance from the
United States. Specifically, he wanted USAID to open an
office in Puntland. He also asked whether Washington could
finance the paving of at least one of Puntland's gravel
airstrips. He lamented that Puntland did not have a single
paved runway. The Ambassador promised only to pass his
requests forward.

Comment
-------

10. (C/NF) Puntland has long viewed the TFG, and more
recently the Djibouti process, with skepticism, and as a
result kept the TFG at arm's length well before FAROLE or
Sheikh Sharif were elected for fear that the TFG would impose
too much on the Puntland Administration's activities and
revenue collection, but Puntland's resistance to the TFG

ADDIS ABAB 00000648 003 OF 003


appears to be increasing. FAROLE stopped short of
threatening to leave the TFG process altogether, but
continued to pay lip service to the establishment of a
decentralized federal system of government for Somalia.
However, clan politics remains at the heart of the issue, and
our conversation with FAROLE and his ministers made clear
that they have no intention of allowing Puntland, a Darood
entity, to become subservient to a Hawiye dominated TFG no
matter how it is configured. Unless Sharif can find a way to
alleviate Puntland's concerns, as well as the concerns of the
southern Somalia Darood/Marehan who are also feeling
disenfranchised by the Sharif government, the TFG risks
remaining a Hawiye dominated government with only token
representation from the remaining clans, unable to develop
into a viable national federal government. End Comment.

Text of March 4 Puntland Letter to SRSG Ould Abdallah
--------------------------------------------- --------

Begin Text.
His Excellency,
As a matter of fact, Puntland State of Somalia, since its
inception in 1998, has been striving for the achievement of a
genuine resolution for the protracted conflict of Somalia and
restoration of its dignity and statehood in the family of
sovereign nations. In a same way, the new Administration of
Puntland and its people will continue to support any
legitimate, meaningful and representative reconciliation of
the Somali people in the future.

However, Puntland Administration and its vibrant civil
society groups are regrettably not represented reasonably in
the reconciliation process under the sponsorship of the
United Nations and the International Community, which was
going to Djibouti since last year. Nevertheless, we believe
the process is, presumably a national forum that all parties
should fairly and authentically represented. And, with that
objective in mind the process can only be successful.

Therefore, it is our paramount obligation, that the new
Puntland State Administration, together with its key groups,
notably non-state actors, to spell out our sincere and
genuine position towards the on-going political process
evolving in Djibouti.

--1. Puntland Administration shall be part of any political
and social reconciliation initiative for Somalia.

--2. The selection of representatives to such initiatives
will be jointly undertaken by the Administration and its
civil society organizations.

--3. Any appointment for the new parliament, allocated
through the 4.5 with the current Djibouti process and
intended for the people of his part of Somalia, shall be
forwarded to the administration and hence appointed by
respective constituencies and its civil society groups.

--4. Any new members appointed through informal pick ups and
without the consultation of the Administration and its
constituencies will not be recognized as legitimate
representatives of our people.

It is also noteworthy to mention that Puntland Administration
and its people did not regard the 4.5 allocation system as
fair, but shall adopt and regard it as shock therapy until
such time when a better system is divided. With my high
consideration, please accept my appreciation for your
ceaseless efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.
(signed Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed "FAROLE") End Text.

[accident]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

[dagameison]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

Its all critically important. It addresses alot of issues

[dagameison]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

He said he wont submit to hawiye led government that is centralized. He said he take 4.5 even though its not his favor for the sake of building a govt and then re-divide. He said dont recognise somaliland cus it will cause a war. He said he spoke the dahir riyale kahin but dahir riyale was in election time so couldnt be seen speaking to the so called "enemy".

Theres other important parts also

[accident]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

He said he wont submit to hawiye led government that is centralized. He said he take 4.5 even though its not his favor for the sake of building a govt and then re-divide. He said dont recognise somaliland cus it will cause a war. He said he spoke the dahir riyale kahin but dahir riyale was in election time so couldnt be seen speaking to the so called "enemy".

Theres other important parts also

Very interesting stuff. Reading it now.

[dagameison]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

He said he wont submit to hawiye led government that is centralized. He said he take 4.5 even though its not his favor for the sake of building a govt and then re-divide. He said dont recognise somaliland cus it will cause a war. He said he spoke the dahir riyale kahin but dahir riyale was in election time so couldnt be seen speaking to the so called "enemy".

Theres other important parts also

Very interesting stuff. Reading it now.

sad thing is if u go through the old wiki leaks like from ages ago and see if it did turn out like they say 95% of the time their spot on. thats scary

[dagameison]

SUBJECT: SOMALIA - PUNTLAND PRESIDENT DETERMINED TO PUSH
FOR GREATER AUTONOMY

REF: NAIROBI 1474

1. (SBU) Summary: Puntland President "FAROOLE," during a
July 23 meeting with Somalia Unit Poloff, remained
noncommittal about a possible meeting with Transitional
Federal Government (TFG) President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed
and repeatedly signaled his intention to work toward greater
Puntland autonomy. (Note: Contacts, including TFG Prime
Minister Sharmarke, have told us that "FAROOLE" had agreed
to discuss the deployment of Ethiopian-trained troops from
Puntland to Mogadishu in support of the TFG. End Note.)
"FAROOLE" told us he had little confidence in the TFG
President and Prime Minister" and remained skeptical of the
TFG's commitment to federalism. "FAROOLE" has hired a K
Street lobbying firm and appears to be stepping up attempts
to broker international agreements outside TFG channels. We
are encouraging "FAROOLE" to meet with President Sharif to
discuss a number of contentious issues, including security
cooperation and resource control. While "FAROOLE" has made
some overtures to the TFG, we believe that a meeting between
"FAROOLE" and Sheikh Sharif is more likely to occur as a
result of sustained pressure by the international community.
End summary.

Statements of Support Appear Hollow
-----------------------------------

2. (SBU) In a July 23 meeting in Dubai with Somalia Unit
Poloff, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohammed Mohamud
"FAROOLE" appeared to back away from his earlier support for
closer cooperation with the Transitional Federal Government
(TFG). "FAROOLE's" statements of support for the TFG appeared
especially hollow against the backdrop of his criticism of
TFG leadership during the July 23 meeting and his reluctance
to commit to meet with TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh
Ahmed. "FAROOLE" told us that a proposed August meeting with
President Sharif was under consideration but that nothing had
been agreed. (Note: Contacts, including TFG Prime Minister
Sharmarke and Somali Ambassador to Kenya "Americo," have told
us that "FAROOLE" had agreed to an early-August meeting in
order to discuss the deployment of Ethiopian-trained troops
from Puntland to Mogadishu in support of the TFG. TFG and
business community contacts indicated that a major sticking
point of this proposal was where the talks would take place.
Many TFG leaders viewed "FAROOLE's" efforts to secure a
third-country venue as a ploy by "FAROOLE" to position
himself as President Sharif's equivalent.) "FAROOLE" said
that he supported the TFG, but had little confidence in
either the TFG President or Prime Minister because of their
lack of experience.

3. (SBU) As he has in other conversations, "FAROOLE" remained
skeptical of the TFG's commitment to federalism. He fingered
TFG Deputy Prime Minister Sharif Hassan as an obstacle to
Puntland - southern Somalia relations, and cited the process
used to expand the TFG parliament as an example. "FAROOLE,"
who views Somali politics through a Darod/Harti clan lens,
insisted that the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia
(ARS) should have consulted Puntland during the Djibouti
process about the Darod/Harti representatives it added to the
expanded parliament. (Note: It is difficult to overstate the
degree to which "FAROOLE" interprets events in the light of
clan politics. The Puntland President devoted almost an hour
of his meeting with Somalia Unit Poloff to a "history" of the
Darod/Harti settlement of Mogadishu. His version of events
is accepted by no historian or analyst of Somalia.)

Resource Control A Key Issue
----------------------------

4. (SBU) Control of Puntland's resources will most likely
be one of the greatest hurdles to closer Puntland - southern
Somalia cooperation. One example: "FAROOLE" expressed
frustration with his inability to gain access to Italian
funds outside of central TFG mechanisms. "FAROOLE" alleged
that the TFG Prime Minister and President had told the
Italians that resources intended for Puntland must be
coordinated by the TFG. "FAROOLE" told Poloff that he did not
trust the TFG to distribute funds: "am I supposed to ask
Sharif's permission for every little thing?" he asked.
"FAROOLE," via a K Street lobbying firm he has hired to
represent Puntland, is using resource disputes to defend his
unwillingness to talk to TFG officials. One protracted issue
remains oil contracts in Puntland. Several TFG contacts tell
us the TFG is willing to negotiate a percentage of any
potential profits from Puntland oil exploration if "FAROOLE"
will agree to honor oil contracts that pre-date the Somali

NAIROBI 00001604 002 OF 002


civil war. "FAROOLE," however, claimed he had the right to
negotiate new contracts directly with foreign companies.
Similar issues were raised over Puntland's alleged right to
directly export livestock to Saudi Arabia.

"FAROOLE" and the Puntland Development
Office; Full Court Press
--------------------------------------

5. (SBU) "FAROOLE" is increasingly seeking legitimacy as a
President in his own right. He requests presidential-level
protocol in his international dealings and often attempts to
broker international agreements outside TFG channels. The TFG
Consul General in Dubai told us that "FAROOLE" had requested
and was refused presidential treatment and protocol by the
UAE government during a recent visit to Dubai. Additionally,
the Puntland Development Office was attempting to convince
the World Bank and African Development Organization leaders
to visit Puntland August 1 - 4 as part of a Puntland-only
"re-engagement" strategy. The Puntland Development Office
contacted Poloff, shortly after the June 23 meeting to make
an "official request" for the USG to re-deploy one of its
warships closer to the Puntland coast. When Poloff suggested
that "FAROOLE" speak to President Sharif about the issue, the
Puntland Development Organization representative replied that
it would be very "difficult" for "FAROOLE" to do so because
of the tension surrounding livestock exports.

Comment
-------

6. (SBU) While "FAROOLE" and his administration have made
some positive steps in governance, such as agreeing to
NGO-led mediation on some contentious points during the
Constitutional drafting process, and have on occasion made
overtures to the TFG, we believe that these small steps are
the result of pressure by the international community. We
will continue to encourage "FAROOLE" to meet with Sheikh
Sharif, preferably in Somalia, to discuss issues of security
cooperation and resource control. Additionally, we predict
sustained pressure on "FAROOLE" will be necessary to ensure
momentum toward a national referendum of the new Puntland
constitution (reftel), an issue "FAROOLE" was already backing
away from during the July 23 meeting.

[dagameison]

as we all been saying for a while is pland state or a country because farole is trying to get presidential treatment and on one occasion was rejected by the UAE and funny if u read the last wiki it says he views things thru darod harti eyes and spent 1 hr giving a history lesson about darod hartis settlements in hamar and then it says the u.s embassy was like no historian or somali analyst agrees with ur nonsense

[damu]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

did you say you don't follow somali politics and now you are asking for highlights

[damu]

as we all been saying for a while is pland state or a country because farole is trying to get presidential treatment and on one occasion was rejected by the UAE and funny if u read the last wiki it says he views things thru darod harti eyes and spent 1 hr giving a history lesson about darod hartis settlements in hamar and then it says the u.s embassy was like no historian or somali analyst agrees with ur nonsense

[accident]

Do you mind highlighting what you think are the important parts?

did you say you don't follow somali politics and now you are asking for highlights

Yup.

[dagameison]

farole even lied about not having one single paved runway...whats galkayo

Its good to note that the way he is in the media he is also behind closed doors just total qabyalad

[dagameison]

farole even lied about not having one single paved runway...whats galkayo

Its good to note that the way he is in the media he is also behind closed doors just total qabyalad

[dagameison]

Our democracy is good no bribes or that garbage as some suspected happened. Puntland is heading towards good governance but there are reports ppl feel its a majerten hegonomy and other clans neds to be more participative. Pls note yusuf is over in pland

PUNTLAND ELECTS PRESIDENT IN PEACEFUL
ELECTION

REF: NAIROBI 40

1. (U) Summary. Abdirahman Mohamed Faroole secured 49 or 66
votes from Parliament on January 8, and was elected as
PUNTLAND's next President. The ELECTION was reportedly fair
and free of major scandals. The ELECTION of Faroole, who was
not among Abdullahi Yusuf's chosen candidates, represents a
diminishing of Yusuf's influence in PUNTLAND and, some say,
in Somali politics overall. End summary.

---------------
Faroole Elected
---------------

2. (U) Abdirahman Mohamed Faroole, an Australian citizen who
is from the Darod/Kabalah/Harti/Majerteen/Mohamud Saleebaan
clan, won 49 of 66 votes in the January 8 PUNTLAND
presidential ELECTION. Faroole had previously been involved
in Somalia and PUNTLAND politics, including a stint as
PUNTLAND Finance Minister when Abdullahi Yusuf was PUNTLAND
President, but had reportedly had a falling-out with Yusuf
and went to Australia for some time. He returned to PUNTLAND
early in 2008 to run for President. Citizens of Garowe,
Faroole's hometown, reportedly felt it was "their turn,"
since the previous two Presidents, Yusuf and Hersi, came from
rival PUNTLAND urban centers of Galkayo and Bossaso.

3. (U) Shortly after Faroole's ELECTION, Abdisamad Ali Shire
was elected Vice President. Shire is from the
Harti/Dolbahante clan, as was the previous vice President.
He reportedly also was not Yusuf's preferred choice.

4. (U) The ELECTION was reportedly free of major scandals,
and we have received no reports of violence. Reports
indicate that reaction among PUNTLANDers has been generally
positive. While the conflict in Sool and Sanaag regions was a
plank in the platform of all of the candidates, there is no
indication that the outcome of this ELECTION will intensify
the border dispute with Somaliland.

-------------------------------
Stark Contrast to the Incumbent
-------------------------------

5. (U) Contacts also expressed optimism that Faroole's
economic background, especially his stint as Finance
Minister, could mean more attention to PUNTLAND's struggling
economy.

---------------------
Yusuf Allies Rebuffed
---------------------

6. (U) Recently-resigned Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) President Abdullahi Yusuf had returned to PUNTLAND to
"oversee" the ELECTION. While he had declared neutrality in
the race, many speculated that he had supported certain
candidates, none of whom won either the President or Vice
President slot. Observers note that Yusuf's diminished
influence in PUNTLAND - one went so far as to declare an
"anti-Yusuf climate" - may well be a positive development.
In addition, contacts say Yusuf's apparent lack of influence
in PUNTLAND underlines his lessened influence in Somalia as a
whole, and could be he is less well positioned to disrupt the
Djibouti Process, should he want to do so.

[dagameison]

Guess who's deciding the war in sool? its not ethiopia but the united states embassy noone wants to lose face with them or be seen as an aggressor or you lose alot of development projects, political support and so forth. I got one regarding ethiopia saying they are not involved at all with sool and sanaag because they cant tell them which region goes to which as its not ethiopian territority. But they blamed pland saying after dhulbahantes left sland they shud of taken care of them better with political posts and so forth which we didnt. If u wanna see that let me know ill post it!!!

SUBJECT: Puntland/Somaliland Border Fighting


Classified by Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger for Reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d)

-------
Summary
-------

1. (SBU) On September 24, InterPeace, a U.S. funded peace-building
and reconciliation NGO, alerted supporters within the international
community in Nairobi that the long-standing conflict between
sub-clans in the Las Anod region of western Somaliland appeared
likely to escalate into open fighting between Puntland and Somaliland
forces. Press reports on September 25 indicate that Puntland and
Somaliland forces exchanged heavy artillery fire early the same
morning. End Summary.

2. (C) Reached by phone late September 24 Hassan Tahir Mahmoud, the
Vice President of Puntland, told us that Somaliland forces had
"penetrated our territory" and were shelling Puntland forces.
Mahmoud said Somaliland forces had attempted several attacks and were
repulsed each time. Somaliland was exhibiting naked aggression,
according to Mahmoud, and wanted to start a war. Somaliland's
representative in Kenya, Mohamed Nur Ahmed, told us much the same
with regard to Puntland.

3. (C) Nur said the Puntland military was on the edge of Las Anod,
100 miles inside Somaliland, and that there was an exchange of heavy
artillery fire. Nur acknowledged that Las Anod was equally divided
in its loyalties between Somaliland and Puntland, which is the
ultimate source of the conflict. The Somaliland government has asked
the African Union (AU) to intervene to restrain Puntland forces.
However, according to Nur, the Puntland military is reinforcing men
and equipment into the area with direct support from Somalia's
Transitional Federal Government (TFG).

4. (C) InterPeace regards the current inter-clan fighting as having
more than the usual potential for escalating into a broader
Puntland/Somaliland conflict. Both President Riyale of Somaliland
and President Adde Muse of Puntland are running soon for election and
may seek to exploit conflict for electoral gain. Somaliland
politicians who have visited the area have fanned the flames of local
animosities. The level of external meddling in the local affairs of
the area is higher than usual, said InterPeace, and there are clear
indications of increased movement of weapons, equipment, and militia
into the area. Residents demonstrated on September 25 in Las Anod
against conflict, whether it be initiated by Somaliland or Puntland
forces. However, patients have been moved from the Las Anod hospital
in anticipation of fighting.

-------
Actions
-------

5. (C) We are urging Puntland and Somaliland authorities to pull back
from conflict and exercise restraint. We will counsel TFG President
Yusuf likewise that support for conflict in Somaliland will
negatively affect his relationship with us. As with any backsliding
on democratic governance issues leading up to the elections, we plan
to deliver a clear message to President Riyale that violent conflict
over the disputed SOOL and Sanaag regions with Puntland will
negatively affect his relationship with us.