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Federal government accuses Puntland President of blocking World Bank projects


Thursday June 19, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Federal Government has reiterated its accusation that Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni is obstructing the implementation of 17 World Bank-funded development projects intended to benefit communities across Puntland.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Finance Abdiqafar Elmi Hange stated that the projects, fully prepared and awaiting approval, remain stalled due to Puntland’s refusal to sign off on their implementation.

“These are projects that are ready to be launched. What’s holding them back is the Puntland administration’s refusal to approve them,” said Hange. “President Deni has selectively rejected some while demanding changes to others, which has led to a delay stretching back to 2022.”

Hange emphasized that the Federal Government has no intention of hindering Puntland’s development, pointing to Jubbaland as an example where, despite political disagreements, projects have proceeded without obstruction.

According to the Finance Ministry, only 7 out of 24 World Bank-funded projects allocated to Puntland are currently underway, while the remaining 17 remain in limbo.

The Deputy Minister also revealed that the Federal Government transfers millions of dollars annually to Puntland to support the region’s administrative and development needs.

In response, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni recently stated that his administration will not endorse any project that serves political or economic interests outside the public good. “We will reject any initiative that lacks transparency or aims to undermine the integrity and development priorities of Puntland,” he said.

The standoff further underscores the deepening rift between the Federal Government and Puntland, which has boycotted recent national dialogue forums over concerns about political inclusivity and power-sharing.




 





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