Somaliland Minister of Energy and Minerals Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh speaking at the one day forum
Government Officials Dispel Misinformation on the oil & mineral exploration efforts in Somaliland at the Forum
By Goth Mohamed Goth
A one day extractive sector national forum was today hosted by Somaliland non state actor (SONSAF) extensively covered all areas that need to be exhausted before engaging in the exploration and production of oil and gases in the country.
Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud AKA Barwani, the executive secretary of Somaliland non state actor forum (SONSAF) in his opening statement at the one extractive sector national forum said,”Honorable ministers, members from EU, UN, International Organizations, Civil Society, Business sector, Universities, intellectuals, Traditional elders and community based organizations, ladies and gentle men good morning. It is great pleasure for civil society and non state actors of Somaliland to have here with you today, special thanks to the Minister of Energy and Minerals Hussein Abdi Dualeh and Minister of Interior Ali Mohamed Arwancadde for their dedication and acceptance to appear in front of the civil society, non state actors and wider stakeholders.
Today, it is a great opportunity for the non state actors in Somaliland to organize this event which will be extensively discussed the Extractive sector in Somaliland; civil society and non state actor are committed to maximize their level of engagement on issues of natural resources management, transparent and accountability.
One of the main objectives of this forum is create an acceptable environment that non state actors and state actors can interact and have a meaningful dialogue and timely information sharing through coherent and regular coordination. Non state actors of Somaliland are heart of the socio-economic and political process and they are advocating the public participation, proper resource management, accountability, freedom of expression, decentralization, peace- building and democratic institution to function across.
Since the natural resources are the central premises for the violent conflict and instability in many parts of Africa, civil society and non state actors of Somaliland have some cautions and analytical measures, in order to prevent any potential conflict that may arise such exploration and extracting the natural resources of the country. The exploitation of the non-renewable natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals and timber has often been cited as a key factor accelerating and escalating or sustaining violent conflict around the globe. Against this background, it is imperative to undertake some coherent and comprehensive measures through structured stakeholders’ engagement.
Eventually, civil society and non state actors in Somaliland are dedicated to promote positive social changes, mitigating risks and encouraging international investors, in order to improve the livelihood of the people, employability and economic development, managing natural resources is one of most the critical challenges facing developing countries across.
Mr. Mohamed Mahmoud AKA Barwani, the executive secretary of Somaliland non state actor forum (SONSAF) speaking at the one extractive sector national forum
Somaliland Minister of Energy and Minerals Hon Hussein Abdi Dualeh speaking at the one day forum said, “Somaliland will aspire to manage its resources in a sustainable and responsible way and would like to emulate countries which have done an excellent job of managing their hydrocarbon resources for the benefit of its people.
On behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals thanked for SONSAF for hosting the one day forum meant to dispel public fears and the misinformation on the country’s oil activates and he went on to reiterate government commitment on transparency by stating, Our goal is to have legal and institutional frameworks in place before the exploitation of any hydrocarbon resources begins in Somaliland.
“I assure you , the government of Somaliland shall work with its partners shall embark on a major public awareness and engagement with the community and to establish a security protective force to protect to ensure the safety of expatriates while executing their operation before any major operation begins in earnest”, the Energy Minister stated.
The Minister of Interior Hon Mohamed Ali Warancade addressing the forum participants
The Minister of Interior Hon Mohamed Ali Warancade addressing the forum participants said , “The creation of the OPU became imperative given the need of peaceful security and stability around and at the locales of operations as per international norm given the monumental costs of inputs and expected
outputs. The President who is the Commander in Chief of all security armed forces has the prerogative to create, if need be, any security arm or divisional department.
“Given the fact that the administration has stepped up the efforts and in essence, prioritized the subjective unveiling and objective availing of the natural resources, such that the sector may be gainfully developed and justifiably guarded”, He said.