GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is facing mounting political pressure as a group of senior politicians, traditional leaders, and clan elders demand the formation of a “new Puntland” administration.
The critics accuse Deni’s government of failing to uphold the federal principles of accountability and inclusive representation enshrined in Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution, which emphasizes public participation, power-sharing, and federal cooperation between states and the central government (Articles 48–50)
Sources close to the talks say the opposition bloc seeks to establish an alternative political platform to challenge Deni’s leadership, particularly ahead of the next regional elections. Traditional elders — historically central to Puntland’s political mediation — argue that the state’s founding spirit of unity and consultation has been eroded by what they describe as unilateral governance and exclusion of rival factions.
Analysts note that Puntland’s internal political strain mirrors broader tensions within Somalia’s federal system, where power struggles between regional administrations and the federal government often ignite disputes over resource allocation, electoral control, and constitutional authority. Observers warn that a “new Puntland” initiative could further fragment Somalia’s delicate federal order unless reconciliation efforts and constitutional dialogue are prioritized.
References:
- The Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia (2012):
Articles 48– 54 on Federal Structure and Power Sharing. - Somali political reporting and academic commentary on federal-state relations (2024–2025).
