Deni reacts to FGS leaders' remarks on electoral stalemate in Puntland

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland's outgoing President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has reacted with anger to the recent remarks made by the leaders of Somalia's Federal Government over the risks of a disputed election in his Federal State.

Speaking at a rally in Galkayo on Tuesday by his KAAH political association, Deni made it clear that he is committed to holding the local council election, accusing Somali president Hassan Sheikh of being "anti-democracy". 

"We have received this message of the tripartite meeting [Muse Bihi, Hassan Sheikh, and Guelleh] that was destroyed in Lasanod is now wanted to destroy Puntland," said Deni, pledging to defend the rights of the Puntland people without fearing anyone.

Deni recalled President Hassan Sheikh's 2013 opposition to the "democratization of Puntland." However, he failed to provide evidence supporting his claim. "We will not tolerate the hatred that has invaded LasAnod," he emphasized.

In what seems a personal attack, Deni referred to Somali Prime Minister Hamza Barre as "the secretary and staff of the president of Somalia." He sarcastically noted, "We have heard the message of the president's secretary, now claiming to be a PM".

"How he can offer jobs as his job was taken over by the president," Deni questioned. PM Hamza Abdi Barre raised concerns over the current status of Puntland, saying it is now where it should be in Somalia's state-building process. 

Also, President Hassan Sheikh President warned of the risk that could result from the way Deni is handling the process of the Puntland election, cautioning him against conducting voting without consensus, which could lead to political unrest.

On the LasAnod issue, Deni pledged his commitment to "liberating" the regional capital of Sool from Somaliland forces as SSC-Khatume struggles to govern itself freely under the Federal System in Somalia.

Deni condemned Somaliland president Muse Bihi's recent address to parliament, claiming it was coordinated with President Hassan Sheikh.

The cooperation between Puntland and the federal government has been on hiatus for the past few months due to disagreements among the leaderships of both sides. This has occurred despite the international community's calls for the restoration of relations.

Puntland is now in political isolation due to the incompetence and failure of Deni who led the country's oldest Federal State, referred to as the mother of the Federalism of Somalia to future uncertainty and created internal crisis. 

In January, Deni cut ties with Somalia's government, declaring that Puntland would serve as an independent government until the provisional constitution is completed and a referendum held.

GAROWE ONLINE