Puntland MPs Press Deni on Governance Ahead of Nairobi Talks

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni held a late-night closed-door briefing with regional lawmakers in Garoowe on Monday, outlining his recent foreign travel while absorbing a wave of domestic criticism over governance issues.

Around 40 MPs attended the meeting at the state palace, according to participants who spoke to Reuters. Deni described his recent trip to the United Arab Emirates as a private visit for medical reasons and confirmed he will attend upcoming Somali National Consultative Council meetings in Nairobi — a key forum shaping the country’s political roadmap.

Despite the friendly audience, several lawmakers pressed him on lingering administrative gaps, including delays in filling public positions, underperformance by certain officials, and concerns about the regional judiciary.

Deni, a central player in Somalia’s federal politics, has long had a complicated relationship with Mogadishu. Puntland has cast itself as a staunch defender of federalism and an active voice in disputes over the constitution and electoral rules. The Nairobi talks are viewed as another attempt to bridge these divides.

“These meetings are routine, but the questions show parliament is watching governance closely, not just foreign trips,” one lawmaker said, speaking anonymously due to the private nature of the session.

A statement from the presidency later called the meeting “productive” and said the president “welcomed the exchange of views,” without addressing the criticisms raised.

The briefing underscores the balancing act Deni must navigate as he tries to influence national politics while managing rising domestic frustrations. His handling of internal dissent may shape Puntland’s cohesion ahead of the sensitive negotiations in Nairobi.

Deni is expected to travel to Kenya this week, with the Consultative Council meetings closely watched for any signs of movement in Somalia’s stalled political dialogue.