By: Yusuf M Hasan
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The president of Puntland has warned that oil exploration in Sool and Sanaag regions shall not be allowed.
In a rumbling speech commemorating the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Somalia administrative region he governs president Abdirahman Farole said that the issuance of oil exploration contracts to foreign companies by the government of somaliland in Sool and Sanaag regions is cause for friction.
“We shall not allow prospecting of oil by foreign companies in areas under our jurisdication without our consent” said Farole in reference to on-going oil exploration in those areas by foreign companies under licence from the Somaliland government.
In somaliland where surveys have proved the existence of billions of barrels in oil reserves has under its ministry of minerals so far licensed exploration with imminent drilling expected by several multinationals among them Genel energy (Anglo-Turkish), Petrosoma (Somaliland), Jacka Resources (Australian) , Ophir energy (South Africa) and DNO (Norway) to name a few.
Despite the obvious the Puntland leader who made the sentiments in a secret location purportedly in commemoration of the regions anniversary due to on-going opposition to his leadership by his constituents that led to failure of Garowe managed first ever elections, has continued to lay claim to the Sool and East Sanaag Regions of somaliland.
Read related item HERE
Must Read: Puntland suspends Cooperation with SFG
