Thursday October 19, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland's opposition politicians have accused the regional President, Said Abdullahi Deni, of orchestrating a conflict in Garowe to suppress those who oppose his political aspirations.
In a press release following their meeting in Garowe on Thursday, the opposition politicians alleged that President Deni is fomenting a crisis akin to the one that occurred in Garowe in June, resulting in the deaths of over 30 people.
The Puntland opposition coalition contends that the President is utilizing government funds to incite discord among the public. They claim that the administration's employees and others have been paid to disparage opposition politicians on social media.
"We are warning that the PMPF army, under the control of the UAE government, is being used to suppress the people and manipulate power. We are deeply concerned that they were involved in the conflicts in Garowe and Bosaso, and now they are gearing up for another confrontation," expressed the opposition to President Deni.
Despite having only two and a half months remaining in his term, the current President insists on holding a one-person, one-vote election. Sources indicate that the President is contemplating a two-year delay in parliamentary elections, but the elections for the President and vice president are to be held on January 8.
Political organizations and President Deni are currently in a meeting in Garowe town and are expected to issue an official statement regarding the election-related issues.