Somalia: Puntland Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Illegally Remaining in Office

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State of Somalia on Thursday accused Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of unlawfully remaining in office after his 4-year presidency ended on May 15, after what it described as the expiration of the mandates of Somalia’s federal institutions.

The accusation was made in a communique issued following a cabinet meeting in Garowe, chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni.

Puntland said the term of President Hassan Sheikh ended on May 15, 2026, while the mandate of the Federal Parliament expired on April 14, 2026. The regional administration argued that the federal institutions no longer possess constitutional legitimacy.

The statement said Puntland does not recognize Hassan Sheikh as a legitimate president and accused him of continuing to exercise presidential powers without legal authority.

Puntland warned that Somalia had entered a dangerous political period and called for an urgent national consultative meeting involving all Somali political stakeholders to agree on an inclusive electoral process.

The regional administration also appealed to the international community and international organizations to engage directly with Puntland until what it described as fully legitimate federal institutions are restored.

In addition, Puntland condemned what it called intimidation and harassment targeting opposition politicians and civilians in Mogadishu, urging Somalis to preserve national unity and state institutions.

There was no immediate response from Somalia’s federal government regarding Puntland’s allegations.

GAROWE ONLINE