The President and senior officials of the semi autonomous state of Galmudug have lifted a ban that was imposed on four Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) three days ago. The four agencies were banned by Galmudug’s Minister for Health Abdullahi Hassan Mohamed who accused the agencies of corruption. They are currently authorised to resume operations in Galmudug area.
Hassan Mohamud Hail, Galmudug’s Parliamentary speaker told Somalia Report on Tuesday evening that the Galmudug administration allowed them to resume operations as discussions on how to solve some of the raised issues are initiated by the Galmudug President, Mohamed Alin. The previous decision to ban the agencies from Galmudug was made without sufficient consultations with other officials and ministries of the region.
World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Relief International (RI) and Somaliland Family Health Association (SOFHA) have now resumed operations in the area.
“We realized that the Minister for Health made a hasty decision in banning these NGO’s. There has been some misunderstanding between these agencies and the Minister and the issues will be resolved after further discussions. These organizations have been operating for sometime in the area and can provide better services to the people of Galmudug. We will discuss these issues with the concerned entities,” said Hassan Mohamud Hail.
During a telephone conversation with the President Mohamed Alin this morning, he explained that the prior decision to ban the agencies was hasty and made without consultation with his office. President Alin conceded that issues of management and the need for establishment of better communication channels between the agencies and Galmudug’s administration needed to be resolved for the expansion of health and development programmes by these agencies. Currently, these agencies are based in Puntland where their operations are planned and monitored from. The Galmudug administration prefers that they establish a separate office in Galmudug and involve the local administration in development planning and implementation.
“The immunization program has been ongoing for years and is overseen by WHO staff and officials who are based in Puntland. We would prefer that they establish a fully fledged office in Galmudug where they can continue to serve needy populations in liaison with the local administration. We shall discuss these issues with the agencies and work towards serving the population better,” said President Alin.
The president who is currently in Nairobi intends to return to Galkayo where he will initiate discussions with the development agencies.
“We all seek what is best for our people. Am sure that the agencies will be willing to work towards solutions that ensure better humanitarian and health services provision for the people of Galmudug,” he added.
Mohiyadin Mohamed, a resident of Galkayo expressed his relief at the news that the four NGO’s would resume operations in Galmudug area.
“The decision to allow NGO’s to do their work is a good one and I am pleased by it. They will help more people in the region and I advise the government to ensure that they implement required projects. The government must take the responsibility of ensuring their security,” said Mohiyadin Mohamed.
None of the agencies have commented on the developments so far.