Puntland Denies Hindering Somalia's Oil Exploration, Calls FGS Claims 'Outrageous'

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland has downplayed claims that it is against exploration of oil in Somalia, terming the statement by the federal government of Somalia [FGS] as 'outrageous and unfounded' while insisting on the stability of the country.

Abdifitah Mohamed Nur, the minister of state and presidential affairs in Puntland, maintained that the claims by Mogadishu were misleading, arguing that the state was one of the pioneer members of the oil exploration quest in the country.

"Puntland led Somalia's first oil exploration. Regrettably, accusations like this keep surfacing, only to be retracted later with apologies," he said.

Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of Puntland, accused the federal government of using a disputed map during the launch of Turkish exploration vessels that docked in the Port of Mogadishu.

And in response, Abdirizak Mohamed, the minister for Petroleum and Minerals accused Deni of blocking the exploration of oil in the country. According to him, Puntland had proposed a private company which was rejected, but Puntland denies the allegations.

"President Deni not only opposed our surveys in Puntland but also insisted on using his own company, demanding signing rights for operations that fall under the federal government's jurisdiction." He added, "We must work for the Somali people as a whole, not to cater to specific regional interests."

However, Abdifitah says there were no discussions on the exploration of oil, adding that there is no company that was proposed to take over the contract. He said Puntland remains open to a transparent resource-sharing formula that benefits all.

"There are no clandestine negotiations here," Abdifitah insisted. "Our interest is in open, fair agreements that serve the collective good."

As a strategy to attract foreign investment, Somalia signed a pact with Turkey that aims at the exploration of offshore oil in the country. The oil research vessel is already in the country after being seen off by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"Puntland has never stood in the way of Somalia's development. We welcome every united step that promotes self-reliance and advancement for the nation," he stated, downplaying Puntland's absence from recent resource-sharing talks in Mogadishu.

The country's oil-rich Puntland is at loggerheads with the government of Somalia over resource-sharing and proposed amendments to the constitution. Garowe accuses Mogadishu of insincerity while insisting on running on its own with interference from the federal government.

GAROWE ONLINE