Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni declared on Wednesday that his administration will never compromise on federalism, warning that armed forces must not be used to settle political scores in Mogadishu.
Speaking during celebrations marking Somalia’s 66th independence anniversary, President Deni used the platform to address escalating tensions between Puntland and the federal government, singling out President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for pointed criticism.
“Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia. We will never allow dictatorship to return to this country,” Deni said, addressing residents of the capital directly. He pledged solidarity with Mogadishu residents in building a democratic Somalia governed by the constitution and federal principles.
The Puntland leader also confirmed that regional forces remain on high alert, citing ongoing operations against Islamic State militants in the Almiskaad mountains as evidence of the administration’s commitment to security. He said soldiers and officers who died in that campaign had sacrificed their lives defending Puntland’s freedom and territory.
“We will never accept anyone undermining the security and stability of Puntland,” Deni added.
President Deni did not spare Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre from criticism, referencing recent remarks attributed to the premier that Deni said reflected the influence of other political actors.
“I was disappointed by what Hamse said recently. I wish the elder who prompted those remarks had said them himself. The people of Puntland do not carry grudges, but they will not stay silent,” Deni said.
He extended his criticism to President Mohamud directly, alleging bitterness over past military operations against clan elders and traditional leaders, including drone strikes.
Tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government have deepened in recent months over constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, and the distribution of power between Mogadishu and regional administrations.
Puntland previously severed formal ties with the federal government after parliament passed constitutional changes the regional state said were adopted without broad consensus, weakening the federal system.
The federal government maintains that completing the constitution and implementing universal suffrage elections are essential to state-building, a position Puntland and several opposition figures reject, accusing Villa Somalia of centralizing power and bypassing broader political agreement.
The dispute has also affected security cooperation, with Puntland repeatedly asserting that it is fighting extremist groups independently, while federal authorities insist a unified national strategy is required.
President Deni, now serving his second term leading Puntland, has twice run unsuccessfully for the Somali presidency, falling short of the parliamentary votes needed for victory.
Observers say the president’s remarks reflect a widening rift ahead of anticipated talks on federal-regional relations, with reactions from Villa Somalia and the Prime Minister’s office expected in the coming days.
