Bossaso - A Puntland State owned website announced today that : At a cabinet meeting in Bossaso chaired by the President H.E. Mohamud Musse Hersi, the Puntland Cabinet Unanimously approved the new Puntland Petroleum and Minerals Law.
The Minister of Oil and Minerals Hon. Hassan Osman Mohamud (Allore) held a press conference after the meeting. The Minister spoke about the new law and its impact on the State’s nature resources.
The new legislation will now be passed to the Puntland Parliament in the next few days.
********************************************************************************
So, what is the meaning of this new petroleum law? How would it impact on Somalia proper's legal obligations for prior agreements with foreign companies? How would the locals react for these on going exploitation of their land? Does "Central Somali Governments"' legislation over ride the one enacted by Puntland?
There is no question about the richness in petroleum and minerals in former Somalia where the most energy hungry countries are watching closely. Ironically, the competing legislations plus clan rivalries have complicated an already volatile situation.
The draft constitution of Puntland estibulates the regional state (Puntland) "owns the right to use the natural resources of the land".
According to Garowe online editorial, the contradiction between Somalia's TFG darft constitution and Puntand's one is clearly evident on article 48 of the Puntland's draft.
The website states, " a clause very favorable to the incumbent administration of President Mohamud "Adde" Muse. According to Article 48, Clause 2 of the Draft Constitution, the Puntland government "is responsible for the protection and exploitation of the natural resources." The following clause says: "The Puntland State may make agreements with national or foreign companies and give them the exploitation of natural resources.""
To read more about the contradiction of the two draft constitutions click the link below:
http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Editorial_29/Somalia_Puntland_s_draft_constitution_contradicts_the_federal_system.shtml
Weigh in and have your say, post your comments on Fikirka Xorta Ah.
No comments:
Post a Comment