Garowe, Somalia — The Puntland government has renewed its accusations that senior officials within Somalia’s federal government are engaged in covert negotiations with the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Puntland Information Minister Mahmoud Aideed Dirir told reporters in Garowe that his administration believes talks between federal authorities and the extremist group have advanced significantly. According to Dirir, Puntland officials suspect the discussions are aimed at finalizing a power-sharing arrangement.
The minister repeated earlier claims by Puntland that the alleged relationship between federal leaders and Al-Shabaab is “in its final stages,” asserting that the deal would allow the group to gain political influence across the country.
Dirir further alleged that Al-Shabaab is seeking control of 60 percent of Somalia’s administrative power, while senior federal officials purportedly want to retain the remainder. He claimed that, during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s tenure, individuals linked to Al-Shabaab have been placed within government institutions — an allegation the federal government has consistently denied.
“Al-Shabaab wants to get more than 60 percent of the power while Hassan only wants 50 percent,” the minister said. “During the time that President Hassan was in office, Al-Shabaab has added many people to the Somali government, including ministers and other members.”
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet issued a response to the latest statements from Puntland. Previous accusations of this nature have been dismissed by federal officials, who describe them as baseless and politically motivated.
