(14-Feb-23) Bosaso, Somalia – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is set to travel to Alula, the center of Gardafu region, amid reports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) building a military base in the area. Deni’s trip, which follows several days of meetings with intellectuals from the region, is rumored to be connected to the laying of the foundation stone for the UAE’s new military base.
It is understood that the UAE base in Alula will house Somali and foreign armies and has been the subject of strong opposition from some local groups. According to reliable sources, Deni has been meeting with prominent figures from the area who are concerned about the presence of the foreign military in their region.
Deni’s trip to Gardafu comes amid speculation that he wants his family to take on the construction project of the military base, in order to secure financial benefits from the project. This has led to concerns that the President is prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the people he is meant to serve.
While the purpose of Deni’s trip has not been officially confirmed, his presence in the area is likely to be viewed with suspicion by those who are opposed to the UAE’s plans for the military base. It remains to be seen whether Deni’s meetings with local intellectuals will lead to any change in the UAE’s plans, or whether the President’s personal interests will take precedence over the concerns of the local population.
