Said Abdullahi Deni, the President of Puntland, has issued a stark warning over what he describes as escalating federal interference, calling on regional authorities to prepare for defense amid growing tensions with Somalia’s central government.
In his first public remarks addressing recent developments in the Southwest regions, Deni accused the administration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of undermining the country’s federal system and pursuing a controversial electoral agenda.
Deni pointed to events in South West State as evidence of what he characterized as a broader strategy to dismantle existing regional administrations. He argued that such actions signal an attempt to sideline the provisional constitution and erode the federal framework established during Somalia’s Third Republic.
“The destruction of the administrations is underway. Let us prepare to defend and protect our regions,” Deni said.
The Puntland leader further alleged that the federal government, often referred to as Villa Somalia, is pursuing a centralization policy aimed at consolidating authority in the presidency. According to Deni, this approach risks destabilizing the balance of power between Mogadishu and federal member states.
He also referenced remarks attributed to Ali Wajiis, described as an advisor to President Hassan Sheikh, which suggested restructuring or weakening the federal system. Deni claimed these views reflect the president’s broader political intentions.
“The idea of dismantling the federal system and concentrating power in Mogadishu is not just rhetoric—it is a direction the current leadership appears to support,” Deni asserted, warning regional stakeholders against accepting such proposals.
The escalating rhetoric underscores deepening divisions between Somalia’s federal government and some member states, raising concerns among observers about the future of the country’s fragile political settlement and constitutional order.
