Puntland Warns Somalia’s Statehood at Risk Amid Deepening Electoral Deadlock

GAROWE, Somalia — The president of Puntland, a key federal member state in northeastern Somalia, warned Tuesday that escalating political disputes could collapse the country's governing framework if a consensus is not reached before the federal leadership's term expires next month.

President Said Abdullahi Deni stated that without a comprehensive political agreement accepted by all stakeholders before President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term ends on May 15, the future of the federal system is in jeopardy.

"If a political agreement accepted by all Somalis is not reached, there will be no functional federal government in this country," Deni said.

The warning comes as Somalia faces a constitutional crossroads, with the federal government and regional states at odds over electoral models and power-sharing arrangements. Puntland has long maintained a semi-autonomous status while remaining a pillar of the federal structure, though relations with the central government in Mogadishu have grown increasingly strained.

Deni emphasized that Puntland is prepared to protect its own interests and will confront federal leaders if they are perceived to be undermining the constitutional order. However, he noted that the state remains committed to the defense of the Somali people and national stability.

The President of Puntland also took aim at the federal government’s communication style, criticizing the use of social media to handle sensitive state affairs. He argued that issues of national destiny should be addressed only through formal channels and direct, face-to-face dialogue.

As the May 15 deadline nears, international partners are closely monitoring the standoff, fearing that a lack of political clarity could lead to a vacuum and hinder ongoing efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE