Garowo – (WDN)– Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has firmly rejected the use of the “Northeast Somalia” designation, asserting that his administration does not recognize the arrangement as a legitimate regional entity. Instead, he reiterated Puntland’s recognition of SSC-Khaatumo community as the appropriate political reference point in the area.
The president made the remarks during a late-night consultative meeting held at the Puntland Presidential Palace in Garowe, where he engaged with intellectuals, traditional elders, and political leaders. The discussions focused on Somalia’s ongoing federal electoral process and the broader political and constitutional questions shaping the country’s future.
“We recognize SSC-Khaatumo entity. We recognize the Dhulbahante,” President Deni said, drawing a clear and deliberate line on Puntland’s position regarding emerging the North East regional administration.
His comments underscore the sensitivity surrounding competing regional identities and governance structures in the contested northern regions, where political alignments continue to evolve amid broader federal restructuring debates.
President Deni also addressed the issue of parliamentary representation from the area, emphasizing that Puntland does not exercise control over the selection or political direction of federal lawmakers elected from those constituencies.
“Even their ten federal MPs are not within our control—let them go wherever they choose,” he said. “But I am confident that after the elections, we will reach an understanding and agreement.”
The remarks reflect both political distancing and cautious optimism, signaling Puntland’s attempt to manage relations with emerging regional actors while maintaining its own constitutional and political stance.
The meeting took place at the Puntland State House and was attended by Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, alongside members of both houses of Somalia’s Federal Parliament and other invited stakeholders.
The consultations form part of a broader internal dialogue within Puntland on its role in Somalia’s disputed electoral framework. The process remains highly contested nationally, with ongoing disagreements over electoral models, regional authority, and the balance of power between federal and member states.
WardheerNews
