Puntland State president vows measured response amid Somalia’s political uncertainty
AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni pledged a restrained, experience-driven response to political shifts at home and abroad, warning that unilateral constitutional changes by Somalia’s Federal Government risk deepening divisions at a critical moment for the country’s statehood.
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Speaking to a youth forum in Garowe, the regional capital, Deni said Puntland State’s record since its formation will continue to guide decisions and guard against actions taken “in haste or emotion.” He described Somalia as being in a sensitive phase, with open debate on the future of the state and rising polarization he attributed to what he called flawed federal policies.
Deni positioned Puntland State’s role as both a stable regional administration and a stakeholder in a united Somalia, but said unity must be secured through respect, dialogue and mutual understanding—not coercion or political pressure. He cautioned that undermining the agreed constitutional framework would remove the legal basis intended to safeguard national cohesion.
“What is happening now is not in the interest of the country or Puntland State,” Deni said, questioning whether national unity can be achieved through insults, intimidation or pressure tactics. He reiterated Puntland State’s long-standing view that the country’s constitution should not be altered without consensus.
Deni said the administration in Garowe remains open to talks through legitimate forums. He cited previous engagements in Kismayo and an invitation to a broader meeting proposed for the 20th of the month. “If it is held, we will attend. If it is not, we will remain where we are — as we already have,” he said.
The president urged young Somalis to stay informed and “ask critical questions,” emphasizing their right to help shape the country’s future. He also drew a distinction between his criticism of political leaders in Mogadishu and the wider public, saying his message was aimed at policy direction, not the people of southern Somalia. “They are our people, our family,” he said, accusing the current federal leadership of pursuing division rather than genuine national unity.
Deni warned that if unilateral constitutional changes are not reversed, Puntland State would refrain from cooperation with the Federal Government in Mogadishu. He added that, should efforts toward a Somali-wide agreement continue to stall and constitutional safeguards further weaken, Puntland State would consider other options. Any steps taken, he said, would be lawful, deliberate and free of emotional reaction.
The remarks underscore Puntland State’s increasingly cautious posture as disputes over process and authority sharpen between federal and regional leaders. While Deni stopped short of announcing specific measures, his insistence on consensus and formal dialogue suggests a push to channel the current standoff into a negotiated track—one that, he argues, is vital for preserving both unity and the spirit of federalism.
The coming days will test whether planned consultations materialize and whether the federal side moves to ease tensions over constitutional changes. For now, Deni’s message from Garowe is one of containment and calculated steps: protect the agreed framework, keep talks open and, if necessary, withhold cooperation rather than escalate.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
