By Essa A. Omar

On October 11, 2013, a malicious message intended for the customers of Golis Telecommunication in Puntland has been disseminated in its carrier. The message was simple and short, but enough to create trouble in Puntland. It read:

“Attention. Our future is now getting as bright as daybreak. Let’s topple those who hindering Somalia’s way forward. A message from the Somali government – 9:55AM, 11 October 2013 ”

This had, however, negative repercussions. Puntland police invaded briefly and closed down Golis main offices in Garowe and Bosasso, presumably in suspicion that Golis was in collusion with the Mogadishu government trying to destabilize Puntland. Golis officials were caught in surprise when they came to know how the security of their communication carrier was compromised and employed as tool to destabilize Puntland or used for political agendas to which they were no party to.

With the background information that Puntland State of Somalia and Mogadishu government had been at odds over policies and procedures of rebuilding Somalia on the basis federal principles, the message alluded and encouraged toppling President Farole of Puntland in the light of the oncoming election.

Puntland Home minister, Mr. Khalif Isse Mudan, called the police commissioners in Garowe and Bosasso and ordered the Golis Telecommunication offices to be closed down with immediate effect. Garowe police commissioner, Gaangaan Abshir Warabe attacked the Garowe Office of Golis without official warranty and closed it down, while the police Commissioner in Bossasso, Afdolow Auke refused to act without written warranty as that was the breach of law. Auke is now summoned in Garowe and is expected to be fired for his disloyalty.

Puntland officials traced the security breach and the message to Belgacom, a telecommunication company in Belgium as a carrier and have lodged an official complaint to Carrier to trace the originator of the message.

Many analysts in Puntland and elsewhere believe that this incident was politically motivated and attribute the security breach and erring message to one of two sources. Either the central government in Mogdishu was the culprit trying to foment trouble in Puntland and help topple President Farole of Puntland or still worse the government of Puntland is behind the whole scam trying to discredit the ex- Golis CEO who has stepped down to stand for Puntland presidential race. The incident took place just a day before his resignation and this could be a belated foray intended to disgrace the ex-Golis CEO, Ali H. Warsame Ahmed who is expected to declare his candidacy for Puntland presidency soon. Investigation is now going and it remains to be seen who was the behind this heinous attack.

Essa A. Omar
Email: xuuraanshe@yahoo.com