Friday July 3, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke said he does not expect Puntland State to move toward independence, insisting that the current political standoff should be settled through dialogue and broad agreement.
In an interview this week, Omar Abdirashid argued that Puntland State’s concerns over the Federal Government of Somalia should be handled through political engagement, not confrontation.
He said politicians often reach for divisive political issues when they cannot resolve security, economic and social challenges.
“When politicians fail to solve existing problems, it happens that the public is distracted by sensitive political debates,” he said.
The former prime minister said Puntland State’s grievances with the federal government deserve discussion, but added that he does not believe they will result in unilateral action.
He also pointed to earlier orders from Puntland State that limited cooperation between its ministries and federal government agencies, saying those restrictions slowed projects that depended on joint coordination.
Omar Abdirashid said he does not believe Puntland State residents would back a declaration of independence, describing the region’s population as well aware of Somalia’s political realities.
“Consultation is important,” he said. “If the federal government avoids dialogue with Puntland State, it is reducing the scope of its political influence and power.”
Omar Abdirashid, who has served twice as Somalia’s prime minister underscored that he is running for president of Somalia.
His comments come as tensions between Mogadishu and Garowe continue to deepen.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday denied accusations that the federal government is stoking unrest in Puntland State, saying relations between the two sides are now at a standstill.
Speaking in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said there is no active cooperation between federal ministries and Puntland State authorities. He rejected allegations that the federal government is organizing unrest or armed activity in Puntland State.
Earlier this week, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni accused the federal government of meddling in Puntland State’s affairs and taking steps he said weaken Somalia’s federal system.
The dispute has prompted concern among political leaders and elders, who have urged de-escalation and dialogue to keep the tensions from sliding into armed confrontation.
