Somalia: Puntland Accuses President Hassan Sheikh of Fueling Piracy and Undermining Federalism

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Monday delivered one of his strongest attacks yet against term-ended Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of creating armed pirate groups, dismantling the country's federal system, and destabilising regional administrations across Somalia.

Speaking at the opening of Puntland's parliamentary session in Garowe city, Deni said the federal government had abandoned the power-sharing arrangement that underpins Somalia's federal structure and was pursuing policies aimed at concentrating power in Mogadishu.

He accused Hassan Sheikh of carrying out what he described as a "political and legal hijacking" of the country's agreed constitutional framework, insisting that Puntland would neither recognise nor accept measures it viewed as violating the federal pact.

"Puntland has stood against the political and legal abduction committed against the agreed system of governance, and we will continue to resist it," Deni told lawmakers.

In his most serious allegation, the Puntland leader claimed that the Somali president had "openly created piracy," accusing him of being behind armed groups that attacked maritime traffic operating in international waters and along Somalia's coastline.

"He has launched a direct assault on the federal system and the administrations operating in the country," Deni said. "He openly created pirates. Earlier, he carried out an armed attack in Ras Kamboni in which Somali citizens were killed."

Deni also accused the federal leadership of engineering political unrest in the southwestern city of Baidoa, alleging that it had orchestrated a "political coup" that dismantled the established governance structure in South West State.

The remarks mark a further deterioration in relations between Puntland and the federal government, which have been strained by disputes over constitutional amendments, elections and the distribution of power between Mogadishu and regional states.

The federal government had not immediately responded to Deni's accusations.

The exchange highlights the growing political rift within Somalia at a time when the country faces major security challenges, including the ongoing fight against Islamist militants and efforts to strengthen state institutions after decades of conflict.

GAROWE ONLINE