V-President Ahmed Yusufbeing welcomed in Las Anod

By JAMA, M. ISMAIL

Las Anod, Somaliland, 5 April 2008 - A large delegation led by the Vice-President of Somaliland, Ahmed Yusuf Yasin recently paid a visit ot Las Anod in Sool region. 

The delegation was welcomed with open arms by the people of the town including the local officials, elders, women and students.

The reason for this visit was to gauge the current reconstruction and rehabilitation of the area after almost five years of mismanagement by the Puntland administration, and to also assure the residents of the area that the  Somaliland government will continue to play a significant role in the improvement of local infrastructure and economic recovery.

The delegation included several ministers, members of the Somaliland parliament and regional politicians such as Mr Ahmed Abdi Habsade, who played a significant role in ousting of the previous land administration. 

There has been a remarkable change during the six month period that the area has been back in the Somaliland community. Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf praised the people of Sool region for their efforts to rebuild and improve their region, and stressed the people of Somaliland stand "shoulder to shoulder".

Vice-President Ahmed Yusuf gave a brief speech, which was broadcast across the region. The speech mainly focused on the way forward for the people of Somaliland, and the humanitarian efforts needed to combat the severe drought in the area.

The Vice-President and his delegation are expected to tour the eastern regions of Somaliland including, Sool, Sanaag, Seraar and Buhoodle.

Several of the local elders present included, Aqil Saleban Abid (Bagaf), Aqil Ali Mohamed Karshe and Aqil Mohamed Abdillahi (Gadhyare).

Source: Qarannews