16 September 2013, Hargeisa — The Justice and Welfare party of Somaliland, UCID, called for probe into the pullout of Anglo-Turkish Oil exploration company, Genel Energy and Ethiopian Airlines which recently stopped its flights to Somaliland , Garowe Online reports.
In a press statement released to the media, UCID accused Somaliland government of misappropriating funds allocated for the construction of Hargeisa Airport runway and misleading the public, “It is strange to boast that Egal airport of Hargeisa was renovated in conformity with international standards whereas hundreds of passengers are stranded at Hargeisa airport due to the absence of Ethiopian Airlines,” the statement read.
UCID Statement further noted that both Oil Company and Ethiopian Airlines proved to them that security threats and lack of safety forced them to discontinue their operations in Somalia’s separatist region of Somaliland.
On the other hand, Jamal Ali Hussein who is contesting the presidency under the Justice and welfare party of Somaliland (UCID) on Saturday told UK-based Somali channel, Universal TV that Somaliland government garnered political failure for mishandling developmental projects including Hargeisa airport which he says failed to meet the expectations.
The President of Somaliland Separatist Administration Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo denied the accusations and blamed his opposition for undermining his region’s sovereignty and unity “The opposition parties didn’t convey correct statement to the public, Genel Energy will resume its operations and Ethiopian Airlines voiced no problems and safety concerns,” Silanyo said while he was inaugurating a military facility in Dararweyne village last Saturday.
Genel Energy withdrew its expatriates from Somaliland regions of northwestern Somalia in early September in an unofficial move. Despite security challenges according to a Spokesman for Genel Company, Somaliland officials insist that the Oil Company will return to Somaliland.
– Garowe Online
