By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi

The history of the illegitimate semi-autonomous administration of “Puntland” is shame on Somalia, because of its connection to many illegal operations like agreements with Mafia to dump toxic nuclear wastes in the Somali water, and today’s piracy. Recently the Office of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon issued report accusing “Puntland” administration for sponsoring piracy.

In Dec 2008, the “Puntland” pirates hijacked ship loaded with toxic chemicals – the wastes of nuclear – from European firms. The powder-like chemicals were sealed off in containers, but the ignorant pirates forced the crew to open. The crew requested the codes and opened the containers. Today, all members of the pirates are either dead or suffering serious skin problems in “Puntland” hospitals.

This ship was heading to Somali coast to dump the hazardous chemicals, as per agreement between “Puntland” officials and firms. However, the pirates were not aware the plans of their superior officers in Garowe – the capital of “Puntland”. The Garowe administration is involved in toxic dumping in Somali water, piracy (which humiliated the image of Somalia around the globe) and illegal power struggle in Mogadishu.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) reported the tsunami had washed up rusting containers of toxic waste on the shores of Puntland. Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN envoy for Somalia confirmed to Al Jazeera English that European and Asian companies are dumping toxic waste, including nuclear waste, off the Somali coastline. These firms signed contracts with Puntland administration, and warlords in Southern Somalia.

"Somalia has been used as a dumping ground for hazardous waste starting in the early 1990s, and continuing through the civil war there," he added "What is most alarming here is that nuclear waste is being dumped. Radioactive uranium waste that is potentially killing Somalis and completely destroying the ocean.”

The Former TGS President of Somalia Abdullah Yusuf, who is from “Puntland”, led the Ethiopian invasion in Somalia. He is the first Somali citizen who led Ethiopians (Somali’s #1 enemy) against his compatriots. He ordered indiscriminate and unguided bomb-shelling on the civilian areas like Barakara Market of Mogadishu. Thanks to noble Somali armed resistance who forced Ethiopian mercenaries to leave.

All these humiliating behavior are “Made by Puntland” in the Somali history. One of the Ethiopian officers in Mogadishu told one of my associates “We felt great and powerful, after we captured the building of Somali’s Army Central Command of 1977.”!!! The officer continued saying “This building was central command of Somali forces during 1977, when they – Somali Forces – invaded our Ethiopia! I believe every Somali can feel the humiliation of these words, and this is product of Yusuf (former president of “Puntland”). This is common policies of the corrupted “Puntland” governments.

In general, the civil war in Somalia benefited the criminals and innocent varnished. Today, the kilo of KAT (narcotic green grass chewed by Somalis and Yemenis) cost $65 dollars in Eyl city – the strong hold of pirates – compare to $2.5 in other Somali cities. The pirates move freely and even donate the dirty money to the poor in “Puntland”. Reports say the local girls dream to marry pirates because they are rich.

It is clear that current “Puntland” administration is behind the piracy, and even the current President of “Puntland” Abdirahman Faroole used the ransom to win elections. He opposes any move against the pirates, who move freely across main cities of “Puntland” without been questioned.

The international community should put pressure on “Puntland” administration led by Pirate President Abdirahman Faroole, and his Interior Minister ilka Jiir. The world should fight the pirates inside “Puntland” but not in the sea; their bases in Eyl should be destroyed.

Email: az.almutairi@yahoo.com

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