New Puntland head 'to end piracy'

Abdirahman Mohamud Farole takes over at a time of rising insecurity

MPs in Somalia's semi-autonomous region of Puntland have elected a new president who has promised to tackle piracy off its troubled coast.

Abdirahman Mohamud Farole, a former finance minister and banker, defeated seven other candidates and will lead the northern region for four years.

"I will eliminate the piracy... and will deal with the security," he said.

Puntland declared itself autonomous in 1998, seven years after Somalia became engulfed in clan warfare.

It does not seek recognition as an independent entity, like neighbouring Somaliland, wishing instead to be part of a federal Somalia.

Until last month, the man who led the country's interim government was from Puntland.

But Abdullahi Yusuf resigned after falling out with the prime minister over attempts to negotiate a peace deal with the Islamist-led armed opposition.

Mr Farole beat his main rival Abdullahi Ilkajir in the final round of voting by winning 49 of the 66 votes cast by MPs.

“It is a historic democratic election in Puntland, making me the region's fourth president since 1998. I hope I will bring some changes,” Mr Farole said.

Piracy off Puntland's coast has become an increasing problem for fishing boats, cargo ships and yachts.

Foreigners in the region are also frequent targets as insurgents bid to collect large ransom payments.

Last week, kidnappers in Puntland released a British journalist and Spanish photographer, who had been held captive since November.

They had been researching a story on piracy.