(26-10-23) GAROWE — President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland warned on Thursday that the federal government’s recent recognition of the SSC-Khatumo administration could jeopardise efforts to complete Somalia’s constitution. The president urged careful consideration of the geopolitical implications, especially concerning the status of Somaliland.
Speaking at a Puntland parliamentary session, Deni said, “The constitution and laws of the country will not be completed until SSC-Khatumo and Somaliland are examined and brought to the table.” The Puntland leader underlined that ignoring this complex issue would create “endless challenges” for Somalia, requiring a more permanent solution.
Deni’s statements come as the federal government is pushing to finalise the Somali constitution. The leader of Puntland took the opportunity to clarify his administration’s position, saying, “We are not going towards chaos. Puntland wants to correct things and express its views clearly.”
The recognition of SSC-Khatumo by the federal government poses a challenge for Puntland, which had been vying for the allegiance of the region. The move could further complicate Somalia’s delicate political landscape, particularly with regard to ongoing conflicts with Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo over the disputed territories.
Puntland, said Deni, is ready to contribute constructively to a government “based on a democratic federal system.” The president reiterated that his government’s agencies are equipped to engage in this crucial phase of state-building.
Halqabsi News
