Somalia: Puntland Acting Independently Until “Consensus-Based Government” Is Formed, Says President Deni

GAROWE, June 16 — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has said the northeastern Federal State will act independently in managing its resources and entering international agreements until a “consensus-based federal government” is established in Somalia.

Speaking in Garowe, Deni said Puntland had the constitutional right to benefit from its natural resources and pursue development and investment partnerships, citing provisions in the Puntland constitution as well as Somalia’s provisional federal charter.

“Puntland is acting independently until a consensus-based government is reached,” Deni said.

He insisted that Puntland remained committed to Somalia’s federal system but stressed the need for what he described as a fully agreed political order that all stakeholders across the country can accept.

“Puntland has never abandoned the federal system of Somalia, but it insists on a consensus-based government,” he said.

Deni added that Puntland welcomes both domestic and international investment aimed at developing its natural resources, saying the Federal State’s doors were open to Somali businesspeople and foreign companies.

However, he warned that delays and disagreements in the formation of federal institutions were undermining state-building efforts in Somalia and could pose risks to stability.

The Puntland leader also accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of federal government interference in regional political and security affairs, particularly in Puntland and Jubbaland, further highlighting tensions between Mogadishu and regional administrations.

The remarks come amid ongoing disputes between Somalia’s federal government and some regional states over power-sharing, resource management, and the country’s political framework.

GAROWE ONLINE