East African Community (EAC) Member States are set to receive a major economic boost following the declaration by the presidential candidate of Jubaland, Dr. Abdullahi Ali, who has pledged to resuscitate Somalia and the Region’s economies by promoting cross-border trade, restoring peace, and quelling long-standing insecurity.
Dr. Abdullahi indicated that Jubaland, which is the gateway to EAC regional countries, will play a key role in strengthening the EAC integration, thus, allowing Member States to engage and share meaningful partnerships.
He implored people from Jubaland (electorates), and the whole EAC Member States to join the noble course to bring change in Somalia, adding that the locals are in dire need of good governance.
“Given the chance, I will serve as a guiding light for Jubaland from the 2024-2028 period, leading the region towards innovative strategies and inclusive policies,” he said.
On EAC, Dr. Abdullahi said, “I do support the Federal Republic of Somalia becoming part of the East African Community (EAC); Jubaland as a state connects the rest of Somalia to Kenya and the rest of the EAC, and that basically means it is the gateway to East African Member States.”
While unveiling his presidential bid at KICC Nairobi, Dr. Abdullahi, said he will be advocating for policies aimed at restoring peace in Somalia, strengthening EAC integration, and promoting free movement of people, goods, and services across the border, as envisaged during the establishment of the East African Community.
“I will advocate for policies within the Federal Government of Somalia to foster EAC integration. I will also encourage free movement of people across the border to ensure locals benefit socially, economically, and politically from the EAC relationship,” stated Dr. Abdullahi, pledging to utilise his expertise to revive Somalia’s economy by improving the livelihoods of the people and ending the Somali civil war.
In his manifesto, the presidential candidate aims to stimulate the country’s economic growth through entrepreneurship, foreign investment, and job creation. He will prioritise infrastructure development, including roads, ports, and digital networks, to enhance connectivity and support economic activities, therefore attracting investors. He is also committed to sustainable practices like renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.
On justice, Dr. Abdullahi will champion for fairness and equity, ensuring that every voice is heard and every right is upheld.
Dr. Abdullahi acknowledged the fact that, insecurity in the region, primarily caused by the Al-Shabaab Militia group, has hindered development projects, negatively affecting the people of Somalia and neighbouring countries, calling on the Members’ States to join hands and find solutions which have made the country lag behind in development.
He vowed to enhance security and provide more opportunities for the residents of Somalia, and those intending to do business, seek employment, and further their studies in the region.
He believed that his major role is not just in politics but also saving lives in Somalia and neighbouring countries after learning what people are going through, impacting future generations, fighting extremism, and liberating communities, and he wants to take the lead.
Adding, “We would like to bring hope to the lives of people of Jubaland; we will not stop until we liberate our people. People desire to see the government which is ready to challenge and fight Alshabaab, to ensure the security of the people and the region.”
Dr. Abdullahi, assured to use the opportunity to bring change not only to Jubaland, but to Somalia and the whole East African region by freeing people from the bondage of slavery caused by the Al-Shabaab militia group, who have made the region unbearable in doing development projects.
As he gets ready for the big assignment, Dr. Abdullahi pledges to ensure the state is taken back to the rightful owners (people), saying his big assignment is to flash out an unlawful group from the Jubaland Capital City, Bu’ale, to allow meaningful development in the region and allow neighbouring countries to carry out investment in Somalia.
He said Somalia needs good governments and leadership, “Our vision is to fight until we ensure that the people of Jubaland get liberated by leading the way, regardless of what the militia groups are doing.”
Dr. Abdullahi observes that “There is no official Electoral Body for Jubaland at the moment, as the term of the existing body ended. We are hoping that the Federal Government of Somalia will establish a law which will allow the body to be reconstituted, therefore ensuring the people of Somalia exercise their democratic rights through elections.”
Eyes are now on Dr. Abdullahi, with Jubaland residents saying he is a beacon of light to the Land, whose vision illuminates the path to a brighter future. Adding that, his unwavering commitment to Jubaland’s prosperity reflects his deep-rooted passion for justice, development, and unity.
On his part, Farah Mohamed, who is the Chief Campaigner of Dr. Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the Kenyan government for hosting refugees, saying the Kenyan government has played an instrumental role in stabilising Somalia, specifically by settling thousands and thousands of refugees at the Dadaab Camp.
Also by sending the troops to pursue the insurgent group, Al Shabaab, following a series of attacks along the border and the country to promote peace and protect innocent lives.
“I hope we shall get a stable government from the Dr. Abdullahi leadership,” he said, adding that the Aspirant has the potential to bring the change which people desire.
By Ian Chepkuto
