The Somaliland President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud “Silaanyo”” has appointed his son-in-law, ailment Bashe Awil, as the new Somaliland representative to the United Arab Emirates. In a move reminiscent of the latter days of the regime of the late dictator, Siyad Barre; for the first time in Somaliland’s history, the President has appointed a member of his immediate family to a position within the government.

The appointment of Bashe Awil as Somaliland’s representative to the United Arab Emirates, a position which has no official diplomatic status, but is important nonetheless, in terms of trade, commerce and other ties with the Emirates, has caused considerable consternation within the country.

Bashe Awil, who is married to the President’s daughter has no noticeable diplomatic background, does not speak or write Arabic, and has never held a government position, but, still the President decided to go ahead with the appointment.

This appointment comes after a visit paid to the United Arab Emirates by President Silaanyo who met with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, and his brother, Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed, deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Emirate Presidency.

Among the points discussed during the visit were the possibility of Emirati forces using the port of Berbera and Berbera International Airport in order to conduct operations against rebel forces in Yemen still loyal to former President Ali Abdalla Salah, as well as, the management of the Port of Berbera by an Emirati company.

All in all, the discussions and their results were accompanied by the provision of financial incentives by the Emirati government along with the promise of further funds and the implementation of projects in Somaliland. In appointing his son-in-law to such a delicate position, the President appears to be more interested in securing the financial well being of his family and his close community members, instead of promoting the welfare of the country.

Furthermore, the Somaliland constitution which calls upon the ratification of any agreement by the Somaliland House of Representatives, a body which has become ineffective, thoroughly corrupted with no credibility whatsoever, has been circumvented. Qarannews.

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