(09-05-23) GALKAYO – Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, while campaigning in Galkayo on Tuesday, declared that his semi-autonomous state is prepared to defend itself against what he has termed the “tripartite alliance” that targeted and destroyed LasAnod. This alliance, according to Deni, now poses a threat to Puntland’s democratisation.
“Puntland’s defence is through the ballot box on the 25th,” Deni stated. “After the elections, we will hold those threatening us accountable.”
President Deni warned of possible attempts to disrupt the upcoming elections. “We suspect that our enemies may try to foil the elections with an attack from Las Anod on May 25. We are ready and capable of defending ourselves,” he said.
In an unexpected move, Deni associated the threats to Puntland with a collaboration between Somaliland’s President, Muse Bihi, and the President of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. “Muse Bihi’s statements yesterday were coordinated with President HSM,” Deni alleged.
A rally held in Galkayo for the KAAH party, led by Deni, displayed a united front against these perceived threats. The president emphasized the importance of every vote, stating, “Your vote is of utmost importance to us.”
This development is unfolding amidst a deteriorating relationship between Puntland and the FGS, with President Deni accusing the latter of undermining state-building efforts in Somalia.
“President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Hamza’s administration have allegedly misappropriated funds from previous projects, and are now seeking more foreign debt to misuse. We cannot entertain more debt without accountable and inclusive institutions,” Deni said.
Recently, Prime Minister Hamza admonished Puntlanders against presenting Somali history negatively. He attributed Somalia’s current issues to Puntland’s “incessant campaign” to undermine the central authority.
“Such narratives do nothing but further deepen the divide among Somalis,” Dr Mohamed Ali, a political analyst at the University of Mogadishu, told Halqabsi News. “What Somalia needs at this crucial time is unity and a collective effort to move the country forward.”
Mohamed Mubarak, Political analyst and Chairman of the Hiraal Institute in Mogadishu, explained to Halqabsi News, “Puntland’s President Deni is expressing concerns about the tripartite alliance between President Hassan Sheikh of Somalia, Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, and Muse Bihi of Somaliland, and its impact on regional stability.” He emphasized, “Puntland is worried that the recent tripartite meeting in Djibouti was aimed at hindering the determined efforts of the resilient people of LasAnod. It also appears to be intended to undermine and destroy Puntland — by inciting discontent and attempting to disrupt the democratic process. The suspicion is that the Troika is discouraged by democracy and popular elections, and relies more on clan-based alliances.” Last week, President Hassan Sheikh echoed similar sentiments, accusing Puntland of hindering the democratic process in Somalia.
The strained relationship between Mogadishu and Puntland raises concerns about the country’s overall stability. “This tense situation could have serious implications for Somalia’s stability and the future of its young people,” warns Mohamed Jama, a Somalia expert and professor at the University of Puntland.
As tensions escalate between Puntland and the Federal Government, the upcoming local government elections on May 25th will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Somalia’s political landscape. The people of Puntland eagerly await their chance to make their voices heard, with President Deni rallying them to stand united against all odds. The upcoming local government elections in Puntland on May 25th are seen as a significant litmus test for Puntland’s resolve and could set the tone for the country’s future election trajectory.
© Halqabsi News
