GAROWE, Puntland - General Sa'eed Mohamed Hersi, the commander of Somalia's northeastern Puntland, announced on Sunday, his intention to run in the upcoming presidential election on 8th January 2018, Garowe Online reports.

The regional army chief declared his candidacy during a press conference in Garowe, Puntland capital city while he is still serving in the office and has not resigned from the current post.

Hersi said his bid for the presidency came following suggestions from the people. He joined in the race of the presidential election, along with other candidates interested in the state’s top seat.

"Since I am one of the few remained founding fathers of Puntland, I decided to make it clear that I am running for president in the coming election slated for January 2019," said the long-serving veteran Puntland army commander.

It remains unclear whether the incumbent President, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali [Gaas], whose five-year term was marred by massive corruption allegations will seek a re-election and stand in a presidential election due to take place in early next year.

The army chief's announcement to shift from the military service to the politics comes amid deteriorating security situation across Puntland as a result of "incorrect policies" which President Ali failed to change.

In a presidential decree, the term-ending president has spared no more time to appoint General Abdishukri Abdullahi Hussein as the new commander of regional Darwish force, hours after Hersi said he is running for the presidency.

GAROWE ONLINE