Puntland State President Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Undermining Somalia’s Federal System

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State President Siciid Cabdullahi Deni on Friday delivered a blistering rebuke of what he called the “term-ended Somali president” Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of pushing Somalia “in the wrong direction” and endangering the country’s federal system and unity.

Addressing reporters in Mogadishu, Deni said he had been waiting for May 15, 2026, and argued that the country’s political standoff had now reached a stage where urgent action was needed to avert institutional breakdown and the concentration of power.

“I thank God I am in Mogadishu today. The man breaking apart the country is Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” Deni said.

He said the recent round of talks in the capital ended without an agreement, leaving previous understandings between Puntland State and the federal government effectively in tatters.

Deni accused the president of trying to centralise authority and weaken Somalia’s federal model, which is built on power-sharing between the federal government and member states.

“I have seen the direction he is taking since he was elected. He wants to set aside the constitution and state authority,” he said.

The Puntland State leader said he had earlier held a private meeting with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that lasted four hours, during which he cautioned him against continuing on the current political path.

“I told him clearly: the country cannot move in this direction. Somalia needs unity, not darkness,” he said.

Deni said Puntland State had for years shown restraint in the interest of preserving national cohesion, but he warned that it would no longer tolerate what he described as constitutional breaches and abuse of power.

“Puntland State has been protecting the unity of the country and the constitution, but today I declare in Mogadishu that Hassan Sheikh is the man breaking the country apart,” he said.

He also said Puntland State would take “all necessary measures” to defend its position, adding: “We will use all our capabilities, even if it means bulldozers and shovels.”

The sharp comments come as tensions deepen between the federal government and opposition figures, with disputes still unresolved over Somalia’s electoral framework and the legal foundation of the next vote.

AXADLETM