Somalia: Deni Says Puntland Will Not Accept Federal Government Interference in Its Security

MOGADISHU, July 1 – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni said that his administration would not accept any security interference from Somalia's federal government, while accusing Mogadishu of undermining the country's federal system and constitutional order.

Speaking during Independence Day commemorations in Garowe on Tuesday night, Deni said Somalia remained mired in political challenges rooted in the collapse of the central government and warned that efforts to build a united federal state based on political consensus were being jeopardized.

He accused the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of violating the provisional constitution, weakening federalism and eroding the independence of state institutions.

Deni also alleged that national security forces had been used to advance political interests, citing recent violence in Mogadishu that he claimed targeted opposition politicians and traditional elders.

Referring to reports that the federal government was recruiting security forces in Puntland, Deni said the region's security was under control and did not require forces deployed by Mogadishu.

"Puntland will not accept any interference in its security affairs by the federal government," he said, accusing the central authorities of attempting to undermine the region's stability and development.

He urged Puntland residents to remain united and vigilant against what he described as propaganda aimed at sowing division, adding that Puntland's security forces remained prepared to protect the region and safeguard Somalia's federal system.

Deni also accused President Hassan Sheikh of pursuing what he called a short-sighted political agenda and abandoning the political agreements that laid the foundation for Somalia's federal government.

GAROWE ONLINE