Northeastern State Refutes Allegations; Labels FGS’s Oil Exploration Accusations as “Outlandish”

AXADLE, Somalia – In a war of words, Northeastern State has fiercely denied any opposition to Somalia’s oil exploration efforts, scoffing at what it calls the “preposterous and baseless accusations” from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). Northeastern State remains committed to the nation’s stability and growth.

Abdifitah Mohamed Nur, Northeastern State’s minister of state and top aide in presidential affairs, criticized statements from Mogadishu as misleading. He emphasized Northeastern State’s pioneering role in Somalia’s oil quest.

“Northeastern State spearheaded Somalia’s maiden oil explorations. Yet, these baseless accusations unfailingly resurface, only later to retreat with apologies,” he asserted.

Northeastern State’s president, Said Abdullahi Deni, lambasted FGS for allegedly using a contested map during the ceremonial launch of Turkish exploration vessels at Mogadishu’s port.

In return, Abdirizak Mohamed, the country’s oil minister, claimed Deni was obstructing Somalia’s oil venture, alleging Northeastern State had incessantly vouched for a private firm that was dismissed outright.

“Deni not only rebuffed our surveys but also pushed his own enterprise, seeking exclusive signing rights over operations under the FGS domain,” Mohamed charged. “Our aim must be to serve the Somali populace, not exclusively regional interests,” he emphasized.

Concurrently, Abdifitah countered that no oil exploration discussions occurred, nor was any company suggested to assume the contract. Northeastern State advocates for a collective resource-sharing framework that assures fairness and inclusion for all.

“There are no secretive dealings happening here,” Abdifitah declared. “Open and equitable agreements that advance the general welfare are our mission,” he summarized.

Recently, Somalia struck a deal with Turkey targeting offshore oil exploration, hoping to lure in foreign investors. The oil exploration vessel has docked after its send-off from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“Northeastern State has never obstructed Somalia’s progress. We embrace all joint initiatives fostering self-reliance and national progress,” clarified Abdifitah, brushing aside Northeastern State’s non-participation in resource-sharing negotiations in Mogadishu.

Rife with oil wealth, Northeastern State and Somalia’s central government are caught in a tug-of-war over resource partitioning and constitutional change proposals. Garowe accuses Mogadishu of duplicity and insists on autonomy amidst what it views as federal overreach.

Reported by AXADLETM