Puntland Stands by Deal with Somaliland, Dismissing Political Criticism

GAROWE, Somalia - Puntland has defended the recent pact with Somaliland, despite wide criticism from some quarters, ending days of suspicions, probably politically motivated to undermine the current administration.

Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, who serves as Puntland’s Vice President, said the deal with Somaliland aims at enhancing Somalia’s unity through cooperation in strategic issues such as counterterrorism and security.

According to Lugatoor, Puntland and Somaliland have previously worked closely on multiple occasions, adding that the current criticism is politically motivated and is meant to undermine the government’s efforts towards pushing for sustainable peace and stability.

“The Erigavo issue is an example of how cooperation can bring peace,” Lugatoor said. “For Somalia to become a united nation, it is necessary to work on common interests.”

There were claims that the two states signed the cooperation to block the federal government of Somalia from creating the Northeastern State. But Puntland described the claims as "unfortunate, baseless allegations" which it blames on opponents.

Lugatoor insisted on close collaboration between federal leaders and regional administrations, noting that Somalia continues to battle conflicts that have drained peace and stability. He highlighted the plight of families displaced by the fighting in Erigavo, who are now scattered across towns such as Badhan, Dhahar, and Taleex.

Puntland remains one of the most stable states of the fragile Somalia, and its actions have often rattled authorities in Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been at loggerheads with Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni over the contested federalism.

Deni also blames Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for what he terms as "mutilation" of the constitution to introduce direct elections — a move which Garowe views as a decoy to trigger unconstitutional term extensions for state and federal leaders.

GAROWE ONLINE