Wednesday October 25, 2023
Garowe (HOL) - Puntland Regional State President Said Abdullahi Deni stated that the recent political developments in the SSC-Khatumo areas could affect Puntland's position in the finalization of the Somali constitution.
Addressing the opening of the 53rd Session of the regional parliament in Garowe on Wednesday, Deni emphasized that the constitution and the country's laws cannot be completed until the conflict between SSC-Khatumo and Somaliland is resolved.
In February, the traditional elders of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn, collectively known as SSC-Khatumo, announced their intention to establish an independent federal state in Somalia called SSC-Khatumo.
President Deni's concern comes a few days after the federal government officially confirmed its collaboration with the newly appointed leaders of the SSC-Khatumo administration.
The federal government has also affirmed its commitment to improving essential social services in SSC areas, such as education, healthcare, and water supply while addressing broader humanitarian concerns.
However, Somaliland maintains its insistence on launching an offensive to reclaim Las Anod, the current administrative capital of the SSC administration.
Deni criticized the federal government leaders.
Said Abdullahi Deni accused the leaders of the federal government of taking actions that could undermine the unity of the country. "The recent agreement reached at the National Consultative Forum exemplified how the leaders of Somalia are endangering the nation and disregarding the federal system," he added.
Deni staunchly opposed the elimination of the Prime Minister's role in favour of a presidential system and the proposal for only two political parties to compete for power in the country.