AXADLE, June 16 — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni on Monday said the northeastern Federal State will continue to manage its affairs independently, including its resources and any international agreements, until Somalia forms what he described as a “consensus-based federal government.”
Addressing an audience in Garowe, Deni argued that Puntland State has both constitutional and legal grounds to benefit from its natural resources and to pursue development and investment deals. He pointed to provisions in the Puntland State constitution and Somalia’s provisional federal charter as support for that position.
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“Puntland State is acting independently until a consensus-based government is reached,” Deni said.
At the same time, he said Puntland State remains part of Somalia’s federal system, but emphasized that the country needs a political arrangement accepted by all major stakeholders. He framed that as essential to restoring trust and stability in the federal project.
“Puntland State has never abandoned the federal system of Somalia, but it insists on a consensus-based government,” he said.
Deni also said Puntland State is open to investment from both Somali and foreign businesses, describing the state as ready to welcome partnerships aimed at developing its natural resources.
He cautioned, however, that prolonged delays and political disagreements over the formation of federal institutions were weakening state-building efforts and could threaten stability in Somalia.
The Puntland State leader further accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of interfering in regional political and security matters, particularly in Puntland State and Jubbaland, underscoring the continuing strain between Mogadishu and regional authorities.
The comments come as Somalia’s federal government and several member states remain locked in disputes over power-sharing, resource control and the country’s broader political structure.
AXADLETM
