Somalia: Puntland president accuses Hassan Sheikh of undermining Federal System

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland President Siciid Cabdullahi Deni has launched a fierce attack on what he described as the “term-ended Somali president” Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of steering Somalia “in the wrong direction” and threatening its federal order and national unity.

Speaking in Mogadishu on Friday, Deni said he had long awaited May 15, 2026, warning that Somalia’s political crisis had reached a point requiring urgent intervention to prevent what he called institutional collapse and political power consolidation.

“I thank God I am in Mogadishu today. The man breaking apart the country is Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” Deni said.

He said all previous understandings between Puntland and the federal government had effectively collapsed after recent talks in the capital ended without agreement.

Deni accused the president of attempting to centralise authority and weaken Somalia’s federal system, which is based on power-sharing among federal member states.

“I have seen the direction he is taking since he was elected. He wants to set aside the constitution and state authority,” he said.

The Puntland leader said he had previously held a four-hour private meeting with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during which he warned him against the current political trajectory.

“I told him clearly: the country cannot move in this direction. Somalia needs unity, not darkness,” he said.

Deni added that Puntland had long exercised restraint to preserve national cohesion, but warned it would no longer accept what he called constitutional violations and misuse of power.

“Puntland has been protecting the unity of the country and the constitution, but today I declare in Mogadishu that Hassan Sheikh is the man breaking the country apart,” he said.

He further warned that Puntland would take “all necessary measures” to defend its position, saying: “We will use all our capabilities, even if it means bulldozers and shovels.”

The remarks come amid escalating political tensions between the federal government and opposition figures, as disputes over Somalia’s electoral framework and the legal basis of the upcoming vote remain unresolved.

GAROWE ONLINE