Abdiweli gaas biography of christopher

Former president of Puntland and Landmark Minister of Somalia

Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas^[1] (Somali: Cabdiweli Maxamad Cali Gaaspronounced[ʕabdiwelimaħamadʕaligaːs]; Arabic: عبدالولي محمد علي گاس‎; English pronunciation^ⓘ), also more known as Abdiweli Gaas,^[1][2] is a Somali American economist station politician. He served as the Central Minister of Somalia from June 2011 to October 2012, and briefly afterward as an MP in the fresh formed Federal Parliament. During his every time as premier, Ali is credited hint at having devised the formal "Roadmap book the End of Transition", a factious process that provided clear benchmarks demanding toward the establishment of permanent autonomous institutions in the country. On 8 January 2014, he was elected character 5th President of the Puntland.

During his tenure as the state's Big cheese, Gaas launched a new biometric piscary database, strengthened bilateral cooperation with decency European Union in the security discipline development sectors, initiated taxation reform confront regard to international organizations working sieve Puntland, established a new mutual embassy agreement with Yemen, finalized a five-year development plan for Puntland, strengthened symmetrical cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Australia, launched new road, airfield and seaport development initiatives in Bosaso and other local areas in connective with Djibouti, China and UNHABITAT authorities, and successfully concluded the Galgala crusade against the Al-Shabaab militant group. No problem also signed a 12-point bilateral match in Garowe with Prime Minister fence Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, which ostensibly reaffirms Puntland's boundaries, agrees to suggest a united and inclusive national herd, and establishes parliamentary committees consisting disregard Federal and Puntland representatives to safeguard equitable allocation of resources and produce eventual Provisional Constitution talks. Additionally, Caliph led Puntland delegations at global calling and development conferences in Ethiopia bear the United Kingdom, with the object of highlighting the regional state's advert potential, establishing business partnerships, and accepting funding and mega development projects surround the energy, agricultural and security sectors. He also established a governmental assembly to formulate an official money consideration policy for the Puntland regional disclose.

Background

Personal life

Gaas is originally from Puntland state in northeastern Somalia.^[3] He holds both Somali and American citizenship.^[4] Soil is multilingual, being fluent in African, Arabic, Italian and English.^[5]

Gaas is united to Hodan Isse, founder of Make good, and university professor. The couple hold four children.^[6]

Education

Gaas initially studied in Port, Somalia's capital. Here he earned natty BA degree summa cum laude delete Economics from the Somali National Practice in 1984. Gaas later moved turn the United States for his post-graduate studies, and in 1988, he acquired an MA degree in Economics take from Vanderbilt University as an AFGRAD Double. He then was a Bradley Individual at George Mason University, first discredit the Department of Economics between 1994 and 1995, then at the Spirit for Study of Public Choice betwixt 1995 and 1998. He also conducted his doctoral research at this founding where obtained his PhD degree instruct in economics in 2000. Besides this, get the picture 1999, he furthermore obtained an Formula degree in Public Administration from University Kennedy School and a Certificate cattle Taxation from Harvard Law School.^[5]

Career

General

In orderly professional capacity, Gaas served as great Director in the Excise Tax Wing of Somalia's federal Ministry of Guarantee and Revenue in the mid- be against late 1980s. Between 1988 and 1991, he was an Assistant Director creepycrawly Research and Statistics at the The priesthood of Finance and Revenue.^[5]

He later hollow to Niagara County in New Royalty state, where he was an Degree Professor of Economics in the Authority of Commerce of Niagara University,^[3][5] taking accedence joined the school in 2003.^[7]

His most important academic areas of concentration have archaic in public finance, public choice arm international trade.^[8] Gaas' current research endeavors center around the impact that institutions have on economic growth.^[7]

Gaas has certain articles for many peer-reviewed journals, containing the Journal of Business and Accounts Research, International Advances in Economic Research, and the Journal of Public Choice. In 2001, his paper titled "Political stability, stable economic policies and growth: An empirical investigation" that was available in the Atlantic Economic Journal was given the year's Best Article Award.^[7]

Transitional Federal Government

On 12 June 2010, Gaas was appointed the Transitional Federal Create of Somalia's Minister of Planning paramount International Cooperation as well as see to of several deputy prime ministers. Preferred for the position by the ex- premier Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, he served as an integral part of calligraphic technocratic Cabinet.^[3][7][9]

Prime Minister of Somalia

Appointment

On 19 June 2011, Gaas was appointed excellence Acting Premier of Somalia after Highest Minister Mohamed abruptly resigned from nerve centre as part of a controversial pact signed in Kampala between the Top banana and the Parliament Speaker.^[8][10] A infrequent days later, on 23 June 2011, Gaas was named permanent prime minister.^[8]

Lawmakers welcomed Gaas' nomination and reaffirmed their opposition to and intention of repealing the Kampala Accord.^[11]

In a session reserved on 28 June 2011, Members exempt Parliament overwhelmingly approved Ali's appointment although prime minister. 337 of the Downcast endorsed the selection, while 2 balanced against it and 2 abstained.^[12]

On 23 July 2011, Parliament unanimously endorsed First-rate Minister Gaas' selection of new Chest of drawers officials. The ministerial posts were catholic to include an additional 9 bring back ministers and 26 deputy ministers, transportation a total of 53 federal ministers.^[13]

2011 drought

On 4 July 2011, in song of his first policy initiatives, Gaas appointed a national committee to accoutrements the severe drought that was spread affecting large parts of the native land and the larger East Africa district. The committee consisted of several federal-level members of government, including the Ministers of Defense, Health, Interior, Finance, Hand over Works, Women's Affairs and Information. Square was tasked with assessing and addressing the needs of the drought-impacted segments of the population.^[14]

Special Force

In August 2011, Prime Minister Gaas announced the style of a new Special Force (SP) division of the Somali National Gray (SNA). Consisting of 300 trained rank and file, the unit was initially mandated exempt protecting relief shipments and distribution centers in Mogadishu. Besides helping to change the city, the new protection unevenly was also tasked with combating vandalize and other vices.^[15]

Linda Nchi

In October 2011, a coordinated operation between the Somali military and the Kenyan military referred to as Linda Nchi began, learn Kenyan troops crossing the border impact southern Somalia in pursuit of Al-Shabaab militants that are alleged to own acquire kidnapped several foreign tourists and teachers inside Kenya.^[16][17] Prime Minister Ali bond with with President of Somalia Sharif Ahmed initially opposed the deployment of African troops into the country, as they felt it was a breach adherent an earlier joint defence pact reached with the Kenyan government that genteel Kenya's support to logistical activities.^[18] Happen 31 October, a Somalian delegation undo by Prime Minister Ali met bond Nairobi with the Kenyan Premier Raila Odinga and other government officials nearly iron out differences and to silhouette a joint strategy vis-a-vis Operation Linda Nchi. After lengthy talks, the delegations issued a joint communique pledging matched military, political and diplomatic support in favour of the mission, requesting that AMISOM peacekeepers police areas captured from Al-Shabaab, extra that the International Criminal Court (ICC) begin formal investigations against the group's commanders.^[19] In addition, Prime Minister Gaas urged the international community to stand by the joint operation, and stated cruise the mission "would be led past as a consequence o Somali forces with support of African forces". The two delegations also blown a joint high-level co-ordinating committee evaluate maintain regular contacts between their individual governments.^[20]

In early June 2012, Kenyan brace were formally integrated into AMISOM.^[21] Analysts expect the additional AU troop reserve to help the Somali authorities step by step expand their territorial control.^[22]

Marine forces

On 7 August 2012, Prime Minister Gaas declared that his government was set give permission re-establish the Somali Navy, which challenging disbanded shortly after the outbreak relief the civil war in the anciently 1990s. Speaking to reporters in interpretation capital, the Premier indicated that circlet administration wanted to create a literate national marine force capable of thoroughly patrolling Somalia's territorial waters and in spite of that an end to the illegal gut of the country's resources by eccentric companies and nations. He also explicit that he had asked the pandemic community to support the Somali government's extant efforts aimed at developing cast down maritime defensive capacity, including the jeopardy of acquiring speed boats and armada to more effectively secure the country's extensive seaboard.^[23]

Post-transition Roadmap

Prime Minister Gaas has been credited with devising the intransigent "Roadmap for the End of Transition", a political process that provided stupid benchmarks leading toward the establishment thoroughgoing permanent democratic institutions in Somalia spawn mid-2012, when the Transitional Federal Government's mandate expired.^[24]

In February 2012, the Prime minister and other Somali government officials trip over in the northeastern town of Garowe to discuss post-transition political arrangements. Back extensive deliberations attended by regional throw out and international observers, the conference on the brink in a signed agreement between Capital Minister Gaas, TFG President Sharif Ruler Ahmed, Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamud Farole, Galmudug President Mohamed Ahmed Alim and Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a representative Khalifah Abdulkadir Noor stipulating that: a) keen new 225 member bicameral parliament would be formed, with a lower back-to-back and an upper house seating 54 Senators; b) 30% of the Municipal Constituent Assembly (NCA) is earmarked in behalf of women; c) the President is put the finishing touches to be appointed via a constitutional election; and d) the Prime Minister level-headed selected by the President and he/she then names his/her Cabinet.^[25][26]

On 23 June 2012, the Somali federal and community leaders met again and approved clean up draft constitution after several days classic deliberation.^[27] The National Constituent Assembly sturdy passed the new constitution on 1 August, with 96% voting for give, 2% against it, and 2% abstaining.^[28]

In early August 2012, Prime Minister Gaas officially announced his intention to mediate himself as a presidential candidate hem in Somalia's 2012 elections. Speaking before adroit gathering of hundreds of supporters explain Mogadishu, Gaas highlighted his administration's many achievements during its brief tenure, proverb that "if you appreciate all say publicly hard work and the national provisos done by my government then spiky will be giving me your votes."^[29]

v was among the four contestants who made it to the second circumnavigate of voting. However, he and substitute candidate subsequently dropped out, leaving previous TFG president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed almost contest the presidency with the decisive winner, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.^[30]

End of term

Gaas' term as Prime Minister of Somalia ended on 6 October 2012, like that which newly elected President Mohamud appointed businessperson and economist Abdi Farah Shirdon give the office.^[31]

Federal Parliament

Following the establishment type the Federal Parliament of Somalia weighty August 2012, Gaas briefly served slightly an MP in the new talking shop parliamen. He represented Galkayo constituency.^[32]

President of Puntland

Election

In August 2013, Gaas launched a fundraiser to run for President of goodness autonomous Puntland state in the northeast region's 2014 elections. After meeting accord with Puntland leaders in the UAE, contrast groups agreed that he would bright a viable compromise candidate. He ulterior arrived in Puntland to confer substitution political and clan leaders in Galkayo and Qardho so as to harden ties with the opposition and immune new supporters.^[33] On 8 January 2014, the first and second rounds pounce on voting saw 9 of the 11 presidential contenders eliminated from the self-control, with Gaas and incumbent Puntland Commander Abdirahman Mohamud Farole left to bias off in the third round. Farole initially led the final round obey 31 votes, with Ali receiving 18 votes.^[34] However, a late rally lump Gaas saw him eventually win distinction election, narrowly defeating Farole by 33 votes to 32. The victory on the surface makes Gaas the 5th President splash Puntland.^[35]

In his acceptance speech, Gaas uttered gratitude for the opportunity as in good health as the work of the Farole administration. He also pledged to excuse and adhere to the Puntland Constitution,^[36] and called for collaboration in loftiness development and security sectors.^[37] For her highness part, Farole indicated that he popular the outcome of the election, current felicitated Ali on his victory. Farole also reminded Gaas of the promise now bestowed upon him as head of state, urging the new President-elect to prioritise Puntland's interests and calling on draw back government officials, workers and security buttress to cooperate with the region's additional leadership.^[36]

On 14 January 2014, former Puntland President Farole officially handed over force to his successor Gaas. The commit ceremony was held at the Puntland State House in Garowe, with divine Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Hadj Omar, former Puntland Vice President Abdisamad Ali Shire, outgoing and erstwhile Puntland cabinet ministers, the Ethiopian consul-general confine the region, UNSOM officials and indentation international representatives in attendance. During circlet hand over speech, Farole recapped character accomplishments of his administration, and illustrious a number of infrastructural development projects in the region that were constrained for implementation. He also thanked telephone call members of government for having influenced for the greater communal good, promote pledged to assist the incoming directorship with any advice and consultations must it require them. President Gaas bind turn thanked the outgoing Puntland polity for its achievements, and vowed conform continue and build on them. Hope Farole well in his future endeavors, Ali also noted that his supervision would benefit going forward from Farole's advice and support as a statesman.^[38]

Inauguration

On 25 January 2014, Puntland President Gaas and Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Hadji Omar were officially inaugurated into posting at a ceremony at the native land capital Garowe. The event was deceitful by a number of dignitaries, together with former Puntland Presidents Abdirahman Mohamed Farole and Mohamud Muse Hersi, Jubaland Governor Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), Galmudug Chief honcho Abdi Hasan Awale Qeybdiid, former top minister of Somalia Ali Mohammed Ghedi, federal MPs, ambassadors from Djibouti, Abyssinia and Turkey, UN Special Representative stick up for Somalia Nicholas Kay, members of rank Somali expatriate community and Puntland leak out, and US, AU and IGAD representatives. In his inaugural speech, Gaas draw his intention to prioritize the solace sector in order to create chaste environment conducive for investment. He along with indicated that his administration would assist commercial development and trade by renovating and growing the region's existing carry infrastructure, and would seek to infuriate into Puntland's natural resources through extensive cooperation. Additionally, Gaas pledged to transmit cast social services in the areas chuck out free education, health and women's get out of bed, and highlighted the importance of escalation relations with the federal government. Pacify likewise gave a 100-day window awaken the unity conference for Puntland's diverse constituencies, vowing to revive the "spirit of 1998" when Puntland state was established.^[39][40]

Cabinet

On 15 January 2014, Gaas allotted Deeq Sulaiman Yusuf as the in mint condition Director of the Presidential Palace handle Puntland. Yusuf previously served as well-ordered good governance consultant to the Cushitic central government during Gaas' term likewise Prime Minister of Somalia.^[41]

Gaas concurrently restricted his first press conference as Puntland President, during which he announced consider it he was in the process round forming a lean cabinet. He limited that he would consult with primacy electorate before unveiling the new convention of ministers. Gaas also pledged be relevant to include more women in the inbound cabinet, and vowed to strengthen rendering security sector. Additionally, he asked cheerfulness input and cooperation from the prevailing public.^[42]

On 15 January 2014, President Gaas engaged in a question and comeback session with over 100 members hegemony the public at the Puntland Action Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. Righteousness event included politicians, former cabinet ministers, members of the diaspora, and platoon and youth. During his 20-minute expression, Gaas touched on his development scheme for the region, which he typical of would focus on institution building, useful governance, security, justice, economy and propitiation. While commending previous Puntland administrations provision having established an effective state protection structure, he wavered^{[check spelling]} to newfound strengthen the sector by ensuring go off at a tangent all regional security processes were government-led. Gaas also indicated that he discretional to tap into existing institutional cut off building initiatives and opportunities, including carriage government staff abroad for special capacity training. Additionally, Gaas pledged to rate administrative transparency, as well as commence social campaigns on justice. With adoration to the commercial sector, Gaas esteemed the importance of tax revenue, reminding the local business community to fill its tax obligations. He also definite that effective policies were scheduled come up with the payment of civil service salaries. Gaas likewise announced that he would hold a reconciliation conference for Puntland's various constituencies, describing the initiative hoot the first step in his administration's action plan and a priority go allout for his government.^[43]

On 27 January 2014, forward of the announcement of a fresh Cabinet, President Gaas hosted a tea overdo for Members of the Puntland Talking shop parliamen at the state capital Garowe. Magnanimity meeting was held at the public assembly building and was also tense by Puntland Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar and Parliament Speaker Supposed Hassan Shire. President Gaas briefed prestige gathered legislators about his government curriculum, reiterating his focus on commercial manner, security, reconciliation and institutional capacity building.^[44]

On 28 January 2014, the Chief fine Cabinet at the Presidential office, Deeq Suleiman Yusuf, announced President Gaas' fresh Council of Ministers at a stifle conference at the Puntland State Sort out in Garowe.^[45] The new ministerial band consisted of 47 officials, including reoccurring politicians, opposition figures, diaspora members service business leaders.^[2][45] Two former Presidents confront the Khatumo State administration, Ahmed Elmi Osman (Karaash) and Abdinur Elmi Qaaje (Biindho), were named Puntland Minister cataclysm Interior and Minister of Fisheries, singly. Ali Haji Warsame and Shire Haj Farah, two candidates who had participated in the just concluded Puntland statesmanlike elections, were also appointed to significance Cabinet, with Warsame assigned the Office holy orders of Education portfolio and Farah description Ministry of Finance office. The past Chairman of the Midnimo political concern, Saadiq Enow, was in turn christian name Minister of Health. Additionally, Hassan Osman Mohamud Aloore, the former Minister epitome Petroleum under the Hersi administration, was given the Ministry of Security folder. The new Minister of Women, Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin, and Minister ship Constitution, Sahra Saed Nour, were also among five women in the fresh Cabinet, which included three other tender Deputy ministers.^[45]

On 29 January 2014, Puntland's new Cabinet held its first gettogether at the State House in Garowe.^[2] The Council of Ministers was formally sworn into office at the costume venue on 1 February. The instatement function was attended by a numeral of public figures from the renovate, including the Vice President, Parliament Keynoter, chairman of the Supreme Court put up with Islamic scholars.^[46] On 4 February 2014, Puntland lawmakers approved the new bring back Cabinet during a session at righteousness parliament hall in Garowe. Moments formerly the vote of confidence took lift, President Ali briefed the present legislators on his government's plans and priorities. All 55 MPs present in righteousness 66-seat chamber subsequently voted in serve of the new Council of Ministers. Ali thanked the parliament for depiction endorsement, and reiterated his administration's clause to good governance.^[47]

Puntland biometric fishery database

On 27 March 2014, Puntland President Gaas in conjunction with representatives from loftiness EU and FAO officially launched unadulterated new database for registering local fishermen.^[48] Referred to as the Fishermen Acknowledgment Database System, it is a $400,000 project financed by a Trust Pool from seven EU Member States. Righteousness database will provide fishermen in honesty region with a unique identification card.^[49] It uses biometric data, which bottle differentiate between the identities of individuals.^[48] Registering fishermen will allow the Puntland government to identify who fishes make out its waters, and to ensure efficient management of fisheries and sustainable initiative use through the gathering of main data.^[49] President Ali indicated that influence system is also expected to revealing the authorities more easily distinguish shape fishermen from possible pirate suspects. Encompass addition, FAO representative to Somalia Luca Alinovi noted that the database decision enable fishermen to work in simple secure environment. According to the Contemporary York Anti-Piracy Trust Fund, more rather than 3,100 fishermen already registered in position new biometric database over the foregoing 12 months.^[48]

EU bilateral cooperation

In March 2014, President Gaas discussed bilateral cooperation be smitten by a European Union delegation led stop EU Envoy to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso. The meeting concluded with apartment building agreement by the EU officials render assist the new Puntland administration delete strengthening its security sector.^[48] Additionally, representation representatives indicated that the EU would start allocating directly to Puntland betrayal share of development funds earmarked hunger for Somalia.^[50]

In October 2014, Gaas met put back with EU Special Envoy Cervone d'Urso at the Puntland State House hurt Garowe. The officials discussed various EU-financed development initiatives that are underway give it some thought Puntland, including education, health care scold environmental protection projects. They also pretended on the ongoing federalization and state reconciliation talks in Somalia, maritime significant regional security, and the Puntland forces' victory over Al-Shabaab insurgents during excellence Galgala campaign. Additionally, the delegations vassal exposed to the New Deal conference in Kobenhavn slated to take place in Nov 2014.^[51][52]

PMPF training

On 27 March 2014, uncomplicated Puntland government delegation including President Gaas and cabinet ministers met with EU representatives aboard a NATO ship. Nobility meeting concluded with an announcement get ahead of the European Union officials that class EU would begin training Puntland Seafaring Police Force units in Djibouti.^[50] Integrity new training schedule is intended solve help the Puntland authorities strengthen their marine defense capabilities in keeping toy the New Deal Compact's Somali Shipping and Resources Strategy.^[49][50] President Gaas welcomed the initiative, noting that marine relation with national and international stakeholders would impact activities on both sea increase in intensity land, including coastal development projects.^[49]

On 28 March 2014, Gaas met in Bosaso with the UAE Ambassador to Somalia Mohamed Al Osmani to discuss symmetric relations. Al Osmani asserted that reward government would continue supporting progress because of Puntland's new leadership. A Puntland statesmanly office representative also indicated that both parties had reached an agreement stipulating that the UAE government would block supporting the Puntland Maritime Police Authority. The Emirati authorities have funded class PMPF's official training program since say publicly force's formation in 2010.^[53]

Puntland tax reform

In April 2014, the Puntland Ministry fall foul of Finance announced that the Puntland state would start taxation of UN come to rest international organizations working in the district state. According to the head disregard the Nugal tax department Abdiwahab Farah Ali, this is the first much initiative undertaken in Puntland, and evolution expected to raise available revenue call upon local development projects by the original Puntland authorities. The decision is theme of a pledge by Puntland Chairman Abdiweli Mohamed Ali to increase representation government's development funding in part indemnity higher taxation. Toward this end, class Puntland authorities already increased taxes wallop commercial firms operating in the submit in order to meet regional patronizing benchmarks.^[54]

Puntland-Yemen bilateral cooperation

In May 2014, Puntland President Gaas made an official send back to Yemen to discuss bilateral care for between the Puntland and Yemeni governments with President of Yemen Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. The meeting was retained at the presidential palace in Sana'a, and was also attended by spiffy tidy up number of ministers from the Puntland regional administration. The delegations touched do too quickly bilateral trade, economic investments, security unthinkable international issues. According to the Statesmanly Office, the gathering concluded with spruce agreement by the Puntland authorities commence open a consulate in Sana'a, catch the Yemeni government likewise agreeing take in hand open its own consulate in honesty Puntland region.^[55]

Puntland five-year development plan

On 21 May 2014, Gaas chaired a one-day roundtable meeting on the Puntland limited state's development priorities and targets contention the Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) in Garowe. The gathering was false by officials from various national unthinkable international bodies as well as vital calculated partners, including representatives from the Cushitic Federal Government, Turkey, Sweden, World Camber, United Nations, European Union, African Junction and IGAD. Gaas opened the dialogue with a briefing of his administration's development goals for the next quintuplet years, which would be centered pictogram economic growth, health, education and cheer. Ambassador Mahamet Saleh Annadif, the Communal Representative of the Chairperson of justness African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, also commended Puntland on its democratisation process and emphasized the importance delineate the region's stability as well gorilla its position as a role mould for other federal states in Somalia. The roundtable meeting concluded with unembellished joint press conference including EU Delivery boy to Somalia Ambassador Michele Cervone D'urso, during which President Gaas announced ramble the international representatives had agreed extort support the Puntland administration's five-year system plan.^[56][57] Between 27–29 December 2014, Gaas, Puntland cabinet members, director generals, heads of agencies and departments, and superior government officials held a follow-up three-day retreat in Garowe to review honourableness 2014 Government Action Plan. The common event was the first of tight kind in Somalia, and was come forth live on local media. It industrious on transparently assessing progress on interpretation Puntland administration's pledges, identifying challenges, rim priorities for 2015, and developing strategies to ameliorate performance and speed loan service delivery.^[58]

Puntland-UAE bilateral cooperation

In August 2014, Gaas met with a United Arabian Emirates delegation at the Puntland Naval Police Force base on the suburbs of Bosaso, including UAE Ambassador deal Somalia Mohamed Al-Othman and senior heads of the Dubai Port Wall (DP). The representatives discussed a number imbursement bilateral issues such as the longlasting renovations and expansion of the Retribution of Bosaso and maritime security. Moreover, the officials touched on investments copy Puntland's constituent provinces, which the UAE government pledged it would make.^[59][60]

Transport development

In June 2014, Puntland President Gaas forward with Bosaso Mayor Hassan Abdallah Hassan and other Puntland state officials inaugurated a new 5.9 km paved road make happen Bosaso. The construction project leads surpass the Port of Bosaso, and was completed in conjunction with UNHABITAT. According to Gaas, his administration plans view invest at least 23 million Euros in contributions from international partners take back similar road infrastructure development initiatives.^[61]

In Revered 2014, Puntland Transport and Seaports Pastor Abdullahi Jama Salah announced ongoing efforts by the Puntland government under Numero uno Gaas to establish new seaports outline the region. The initiative is terminate of a campaign pledge by Gaas to focus on tapping into Puntland's commercial potential through various development projects. According to Salah, he met fit in Djibouti with representatives from an intercontinental construction firm headquartered in China, who are scheduled to soon conduct top-hole project evaluation for a new omnipresent seaport in Puntland. The government holdup Djibouti will provide facilitation during say publicly assessment. Other transportation projects in Puntland that are concurrently in development encompass the construction of an international airdrome in the commercial hub of Bosaso.^[62]

In November 2014, Gaas also conferred reach an agreement UNHABITAT Head of Office for Somalia Dragan Tatic on the completion blond roads and houses in Bosaso, because well as water development projects hill the region.^[63]

In December 2014, Gaas ordered the foundation stone for a latest runway at the Bender Qassim Worldwide Airport in Bosaso. The inauguration exhibition was attended by cabinet ministers, legislators, traditional leaders, and various international administration, including tender winner China Civil Generalship Construction Corporation, financial partner and Emissary of Italy to Somalia Farbizio Marcelli, and United Nations Office for Operation Services representatives. Gaas described the step as a flagship project aimed molder advancing the local aviation sector. Emissary Marcelli similarly hailed the development, which was originally launched in 2013 make a mistake the incumbency of erstwhile Puntland Concert-master Abdirahman Mohamed Farole. The China Lay Engineering Construction Corporation is now humorist to upgrade the airport's existing pebbles runway, pave it with asphalt, enthralled convert it from 1.8 km to 2.65 km in accordance with the code 4C operations clause.^[64]

In March 2015, Gaas staging conjunction with EU Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d'Urso and German Emissary to Somalia Andreas Peschke launched interpretation Sustainable Road Maintenance Project. Part assess the New Deal Compact for Somalia, the initiative's implementation is facilitated prep between 17.75 million Euros and 3 bundle Euros provided by the EU endure Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), respectively. Among other objectives, the scheme aims to renovate the highway halfway Galkayo and Garowe, including funding refurbishments on the damaged segments of honesty road and construction of check dams and flood control structures. The inventiveness also involves a routine annual exoneration program, which focuses on side hairdressing, clearing bridges after floods, drainage take culvert clearance, and pothole filling. In addition, the project will offer policy point in time to the Puntland Ministry of Uncover Works and the Puntland Highway Shift, and local contractors will receive on-the-job training to upgrade their skills.^[65]

Galgala campaign

In October 2014, the Puntland Security Claim launched a cleanup operation against Al-Shabaab militants in the Galgala area resolve the northern Golis mountain range. Honesty heavily armed soldiers reportedly captured turnout unspecified number of militants as come to an end of the final phase of character Galgala campaign.^[66] After seizing the Galgala mountain area, Puntland President Gaas offered a 30-day amnesty period to specify Al-Shabaab members to turn themselves multiply by two to the regional authorities.^[67] Security government later indicated that at least 50 U.S. military personnel had participated mission the Galgala attack. This was rendering first reported ground support in Somalia by U.S. troops since 2006. Piece Bari provincial Governor Abdisamad Mohamed Galan was visiting the frontlines, U.S. uncommon forces in armoured fighting vehicles were seen in the Galgala area. Integrity foreign military personnel were reportedly congress intelligence ahead of the raid fantasize the Puntland forces' behalf. They besides helped Puntland army units dismantle substitute explosive devices and conducted tactical surveillance.^[68]

Garowe bilateral agreement

In October 2014, Prime Parson of Somalia Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed set in your ways a federal government delegation to justness autonomous Puntland region in northeastern Somalia. The delegates included Second Speaker endowment the Federal Parliament Mahad Abdalle Awad and Minister of Education Ahmed Mohamed Gurase, among other Cabinet members. They were received at the Garowe Supranational Airport by senior Puntland leaders, containing President Gaas and Vice President Abdihakim Abdullahi Haji Omar, and subsequently packed with a well-organized welcoming ceremony at glory Puntland presidential palace in Garowe skirt various members of the international humanity. Ahmed subsequently co-chaired a reconciliation colloquium in the city between the curse federal officials and Puntland representatives undo by President Gaas.^[69]

The three-day meeting terminated with a 12-point agreement between distinction stakeholders, with UN envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay, EU Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso, IGAD representative Mohamed Abdi Afey, and Ethiopian Consul General Asmalash Woldamirat serving as witnesses. According faith federal Minister of Culture and Advanced Education Duale Adan Mohamed, the do business stipulates that the recent tripartite tie in between Galmudug and Himan and Heeb establishing a new central regional native land within Somalia only applies to birth Galguduud and south Mudug provinces. Overlook keeping with a 2013 pact simple by former prime minister of Somalia Abdi Farah Shirdon and former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, the Garowe bilateral agreement also states that rank Federal and Puntland authorities will swipe together to form a united illustrious inclusive national army. Additionally, parliamentary committees consisting of Federal and Puntland representatives are mandated with ensuring equitable apportionment of foreign assistance and overseeing concluding talks pertaining to the Provisional Composition. Ambassador Kay welcomed the agreement soar urged both parties to work famine the public interest, and IGAD seller Afey likewise hailed the reconciliation effort.^[70]

Global African Investment Summit

In October 2014, Gaas led a Puntland delegation to join in in the Global African Investment Point in London. The Puntland authorities esoteric reportedly been invited to take zenith in the international conference.^[71] The crown is slated to be attended emergency various global leaders, and is admiration at highlighting investment opportunities. Its core is on establishing business partnerships, with the addition of securing funding and mega development projects in the energy and agricultural sectors.^[72][73] To this end, Gaas indicated depart his administration welcomed foreign investment hinder Puntland given the regional state's offer as a local commercial center.^[71]

EUCAP Nestor

In January 2015, President Gaas met relieve the EU head of Civilian Nerve center Commander for all Civilian Common Care Defence Policy (CSDP) Missions Kenneth Deane in Garowe. During the gathering, authority establishment of a new EUCAP Discerning base in Puntland was discussed. Position European Union's Maritime Capacity Building Task in the Horn of Africa unacceptable Western Indian Ocean (EUCAP Nestor) esteem mandated to assist nations in blue blood the gentry latter regions to strengthen their marine security capabilities. As such, the virgin base aims to advance cooperation, fulfill train Puntland forces in maritime care and to develop and firm leave to another time on existent maritime security instruments stomach legislation.^[74]

Money remittance policy

In March 2015, Gaas established a government committee to define an official money remittance policy go for the Puntland regional state. Puntland Track of Interior Ahmed Elmi Osman serves as the Chairman of the unique panel. The committee is composed befit Puntland cabinet members.^[75]

Garowe Q&A session

In Go by shanks`s pony 2015, Gaas participated in a get out question and answer session held calm the East Africa University's Garowe organ of flight. State ministers, legislators, civil society representatives and students were also in companionship. The event was organized by picture Puntland government to give the general an opportunity to ask the Concert-master questions, and to receive in reimburse answers vis-a-vis their queries. Gaas open the session with a short dissertation on ongoing development projects that her majesty administration is implementing in the local state. It was followed by hasten questions from the general public. Distinction meeting is among the first specified public question and answer sessions chaired by a political leader in Somalia.^[76]

Puntland-Australia bilateral cooperation

In April 2015, Gaas tumble with the Ambassador of Australia scolding Somalia, John Feakes, at his control centre in Garowe. The officials discussed Continent developmental initiatives in Puntland and greatness local security sector, among various time away bilateral matters. According to Gaas, rendering Australian government announced that it was slated to launch new development projects in the regional state. Feakes invoice turn specified that these multiple initiatives would be centered on infrastructure playing field social services.^[77]

Federal-Puntland forum

In April 2015, Puntland President Gaas and Prime Minister reproduce Somalia Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke launched a consultative forum between Puntland additional the Federal Government at the local state's administrative capital, Garowe. Various federated and Puntland delegates were in gift at the gathering, including Federal Clergyman of Planning and international cooperation Abdirahman Yusuf Hussein Aynte, Puntland Minister discover Education Ali Haji Warsame and Puntland Minister of Information Abdiweli Indha-Guran. Distinction round-table meeting centered on Federal-Puntland joint cooperation, as well as the out of action 2016 national elections.^[78] Among the souk areas discussed within the Framework undertake Action were the ongoing federalization operation, the implementation of previous treaties, rendering constitutional review process, border demarcation, resource-sharing, the integration of troops from novel regions into the national army, humbling the establishment of a new Decisive State.^[79] The forum concluded with wonderful signed agreement, which stipulates that Puntland will contribute 3,000 troops to glory Somali National Army.^[80]

Tana Forum

In April 2015, Gaas led a Puntland ministerial deputation to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where illustriousness representatives had been invited to waitress the Tana Forum. Among the Puntland delegates was Minister of Environment opinion Wildlife Gulled Salah Bare, as swimmingly as the Minister of Seaports. Distinction official invitation was the second work on that Gaas had received on gain of Puntland and Somalia as unornamented whole. Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn and other Ethiopian government representatives welcomed the visiting delegation at rendering Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The Tana Forum is annually engaged between heads of state in Continent, and focuses on the economy, safe keeping and other key continental sectors. Gaas is therein scheduled to brief enthrone counterparts on the sociopolitical situation reclaim Puntland and Somalia at large, district counter-terrorism operations and economic development, centre of other matters.^[81]

Infrastructure development

In May 2015, Gaas led a large Puntland delegation brand Rome to discuss various bilateral sniper. The official visit was expected endure last several days. According to class regional president, he had received principally invitation from the Italian government function hold talks on securing funds reckon infrastructure development projects. Ali also stressed his administration's focus on ameliorating radical in Puntland as part of rectitude broader reconstruction and development process detour Somalia.^[82]

Awards

• 2014 Top Three Economists in Continent, World Economic Studies, October 2014.^[83]
• 2005–2006 Assistance in Research Award, College of Apportion Administration, Niagara University, May 2006.^[5]
• Best Arrangement Award, European Applied Business Research Convention, Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2004.^[5]
• 2003–2004 Excellence epoxy resin Research Award, College of Business Management, Niagara University, May 2004.^[5]
• 2001 Best Being Award, Atlantic Economic Journal, October 2002.^[5]

Works

Refereed publications

• "How robust is the effect be a witness foreign aid on growth" with (Hodan Isse and Bill Peek), Journal some Business and Behavioral Sciences, Vol. 20, pp. 4–14, Fall 2009 (Lead Article).
• "The determinants of crime in Virginia: An realistic analysis" (with Bill Peek), forthcoming find guilty Contemporary Issues in Educational Research, Vol. 2 (4), pp. 1–11, 2009 (Lead Article).
• "Is democracy a prerequisite for political stability?", International Business and Economics Research Journal, October 2004, Vol. 3 (10), pp. 39–47, Won the Best Paper Award.
• "Determinants imitation economic corruption: A cross-country comparison" (with Hodan Isse), Cato Journal, Winter Onslaught 2003, Vol. 22 (3), pp. 449–64. Insincere by 58.
• "Institutional distortions, economic freedom reprove growth" (with Mark Crain), Cato Journal, Winter Issue 2002, Vol. 21 (3), pp. 415–26. Cited by 63.
• "Political regimes, budgetary freedom, institutions and growth" (with Consider Crain), Journal of Public Finance gift Public Choice, 2001, Vol. XIX (1), pp. 3–22, Lead Article. Cited by 13.
• "Political stability, stable economic policies and growth: an empirical investigation", Atlantic Economic Journal, March Issue 2001, Vol. 29, pp. 87–106. Won the 2001 Best Article Honour. Cited by 13
• "Economic freedom, democracy add-on growth", Journal of Private Enterprise, 1997, vol. 13, pp. 1–20, Lead Article. Unasked for by 30.

Refereed conference proceedings

• "Is Democracy exceptional Prerequisite for Political Stability?" (Won decency Best Paper Award), European Applied Line of work Research Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, 14–18 June 2004.

Notes