Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of Puntland, has warned that Somalia could face the absence of a federal government if political leaders fail to reach an agreement by mid-May.
Speaking in the city of Badhan, Deni expressed strong concerns about the country’s ongoing political uncertainty, particularly surrounding the electoral process. He stated that a failure to achieve consensus among Somali stakeholders could trigger a significant constitutional and governance crisis.
“Starting next month, on the 15th, if there is no solution that is mutually agreed upon by Somalis, there will be no federal government,” Deni said. “The Puntland government will follow its own interests, and we will not be bound by the current leadership.”
The remarks underscore growing tensions within Somalia as political negotiations over elections and governance structures remain unresolved.
Puntland, one of the country’s semi-autonomous federal member states, has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and direction of national-level decision-making.
Deni emphasized that Puntland’s next steps would be guided by public sentiment, noting that his administration is awaiting input from citizens across the country. “We are waiting for the advice of the Somali people living in the regions,” he said.
The statement raises concerns about the potential fragmentation of federal authority if consensus is not reached, adding urgency to ongoing discussions among Somalia’s political leaders ahead of the May 15 deadline.
