Somaliland: Eng Duale, a Valuable Asset to the Nation

0

Eng Hussein Abdi Duale the Somaliland Energy Minister in his Hargeisa office/pic by somalilandsun

A respected British Author by the name of Piers Anthony once said – “When one person makes an accusation, check to be sure he himself is not the guilty one. Sometimes it is those whose case is weak who make the most clamour”

By: Robleh M. Lafcanbe

Somalilandsun – Hussein Abdi Dualeh is without a doubt one of the most competent and respected ministers of the Republic of Somaliland. Within 3 and half years Hussein Abdi Dualeh revamped his ministry and turned it into one of the most successful and well respected ministries.

Minister Dualeh, an American-trained petroleum engineer held many portfolios during his career, most recently a senior position with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Living a comfortable and successful life in America, Mr. Dualeh left it all behind to serve his home country and use his engineering expertise.

As soon as he took office in August 2010, Minister Dualeh made it his first priority to address the lack of water wells in Somaliland. He built several wells across the country and made getting water in Somaliland accessible.

From the very beginning, the Minister proved his honest character. Any grant or donation that was sent from abroad, was always publicly announced and transferred straight to the ministry. One notable event was early 2012 when the EU sent the Ministry a $27.5 million grant for clean and safe drinking water.

On the global stage, he’s well respected – receiving invites for international conferences relating to his portfolio. Minister Dualeh gave keynote addresses to his international counterparts at conferences in Dubai and Austraila and represented Somaliland like no Minister has before.

Minister Dualeh has tirelessly fought and campaigned for companies to invest and explore the potential oil blocks in the country. As of 2014, There are currently 6 petrol companies that are licenced to drill oil, some beginning this year and some the year after. This is a milestone that his predecessors have failed to reach and a milestone that the Riyale government was incapable of during their 8 years in power.

The critics who are constantly falsely accusing Minister Dualeh should ask themselves these questions:

 Why target the individual who is constantly working for the better of his people and bringing significant change?

 Who even remembers the Mining, Water & Energy ministers before Hussein Dualeh? Majority don’t because they haven’t done anything significant during their terms.

The issue of oil companies in Somaliland wouldn’t have even been relevant if Minister Dualeh didn’t work so hard to bring them to the country in the first place.

The current potential oil rush in Somaliland is something all Somalilanders – even his own critics – take pride in and it is only right and just to give credit where it is due.

The people of Somaliland, international organizations and fellow countries clearly see the work and progress Hussein Abdi Dualeh has brought to his position and the country. Does anybody see the proof of any of the bizarre accusations against the Minister?

The false accusations against the Minister are plain defamation and character assassination. There is no substance to any of these claims and it is a shame that opportunistic and greedy journalists and others would stoop so low to tarnish a public figure who represents the current success of our nation.

A respected British Author by the name of Piers Anthony once said – “When one person makes an accusation, check to be sure he himself is not the guilty one. Sometimes it is those whose case is weak who make the most clamour”

Fellow Somalilanders, it is clearly evident that those mounting an attack on Minister Dualeh are the ones the public should be careful of. It is time we respect those who are sincerely doing well for Somaliland and protect the reputation of our country from the selfish and greedy who are discrediting our success as a nation.

The author of this article can be contacted at robleh.m@gmail.com