Puntland President Saed Abdillahi Deni has strongly criticized Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of leading the country in the wrong direction and jeopardizing the unity and federal system of Somalia. Deni emphasized that he has been waiting for May 15, 2026, and pointed out that the country’s political situation has reached a critical point where action must be taken to prevent a collapse of the political system and an accumulation of power. Deni revealed that Puntland has been tolerant in order to maintain the unity of Somalia, but they can no longer accept the violation of laws and abuse of power. He stated, “Puntland has been preserving the unity and the constitution, but I can confirm that Hassan Sheikh is the man who will tear the country apart.” Deni also mentioned that he has personally spoken to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud multiple times and warned him about the dangerous direction he is taking the country in. He said, “I spent four hours with him and told him that the country cannot continue down this path. Somalia is a country that needs to come together.” Deni expressed gratitude to Allah for being present in Mogadishu and stated that Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is the one tearing the country apart. He also disclosed that agreements and consensus between Puntland and the federal government have come to an end after talks in Mogadishu failed to produce any results. Deni accused Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of attempting to rule the country alone and abolish the federal system. He said, “I could see the direction he was taking once he was elected as president. He wants to disregard the government’s power and the constitution.” Deni further stated that Puntland will take all necessary measures to prevent what they see as a threat to the system of governance. “He said, ‘We will do whatever is in our power, whether it be using bulldozers or shovels.'” The statement from President Deni comes at a time of heightened political tension between the government and the opposition. Despite not reaching an agreement on the election dispute and the term of the central government, the two sides remain at a standoff.
