An Australian refugee returns to Somalia with the dream of leading and building a modern African State

Twenty years of civil war and crippling drought have torn the once-prosperous East African nation of Somalia to shreds. And now pirates and terrorists are destroying what remains of civil society. As the turmoil continues fears are raised that it is breeding extremism and unending clan warfare. Enter Abdirahman Farole, one man with the eyes of the world on him, who could make a difference.

Farole is a Somali-Australian, and former refugee from Melbourne, who has returned to Somalia to become the President of the semi-autonomous State of Puntland, home to one third of Somalia’s population. Under President Farole Puntland has enjoyed relative peace and prosperity. The pirates are being driven out by his maritime police force and there’s talk of economic recovery fuelled by the oil riches in the region. Our story begins at the crossroads as the President – and Puntland – face their greatest test: the pirates are back, Islamic militants are moving in and President Farole is determined to secure a final term in office to accomplish his dream of establishing a democratic system of government. Will Puntland be set on the road to becoming a modern African State?