garoweonline editorial: in response to ashley’s(me

What you say about Range/ Consort is, in a certain sense, quite valid. We have no reason to believe that their attempts to ‘build (ing) an experienced geological team’ are inadequate in any way.


Dear Ashley,

You are right to raise your concerns in an open debate. At this website, they are always prepared to discuss different positions, and, obviously defend their editorial position where they think fit.

At the outset, let me state that taking a position, of itself, is not a bad thing. There are certain events unfolding in our country which require frank and honest discussion. We would be negligent to stand by and adopt a neutral attitude to events which we assess to be unfair, corrupt or negatively impacting on our society. We hope that you agree that this is the role of the press. Let the most convincing word written win, not the sword! Inshallah.

What you say about Range/ Consort is, in a certain sense, quite valid. We have no reason to believe that their attempts to ‘build (ing) an experienced geological team’ are inadequate in any way.

Unfortunately, the original negotiations with the Australians –Consort- Terry Donnelly, Malcolm Macleod, Anthony Black and Mick Povey, and their metamorphosis into ‘Range’ are extremely problematic, and inevitably have lead and doubtlessly will lead to conflict.

Part of this lies in the way in which the contract was negotiated, and part of it pertains to the ridiculous and insulting offer to the people of Puntland in the contract itself. Consort made several attempts to convince both the TFG, who they know are the only legal and constitutional power able to sign.

Both the Puntland lawyers and the Dubai lawyers actually paid for by Tony Black rejected Consort’s offer. After this, the negotiations went underground, with President Adde signing, without Parliamentary ratification, a modified contract months later.

When the TFG refused the contract, the Australians floated shares on the Stock Exchange, with false and misleading information.

Consort itself was constituted in the Maldives in April 2005. They are not a mining company, but a band of brokers. ‘Range’ has been busy trying to build a respectable image, but if you read all information on their website, regularly, you will see a vague sum of 5-10% is all the people of Puntland are supposed to receive for their whole territory? This is so unusual it would be a joke if it were not tragic.

We have seen many, many hydrocarbon contracts, and no sensible company would ever pull such a blatantly unfair trick. Read what is happening in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, all of South America, If a deal is unfair, or arranged through trickery, bribery, threats or other means, it always causes trouble in the long run. It is quite true, as you point out, that an opportunity for infrastructure, jobs etc must not be missed. The fact is that there are too many greedy mouths in this food chain, and too little on offer, especially since other companies offer much more.

In closing, your question ‘isn’t it the President’s job to make decisions on what he believes is in the best interest(sic) of the Puntland people?’ is of grave concern, and perhaps highlights how much we need the input of our educated diaspora, who understand the very basic tenets of democracy. For those who do not know, It is not the president's job to decide, it is the people, though thier elected representatives and the elected excutive. The President’s job is to carry out the programme for which he was elected by the people, as in every democracy.

You are confusing the idea of a dictator, like Charles Taylor, General Pinochet, Siad Barre, with that of a democratic president. The problem with all dictators, historically, is that they become terribly excited with a little power, are usually not incredibly bright, confuse State money and interest with their own personal interest etc, and it usually ends in tears and lots of military on the streets.

Garoweonline.com
Editorial team