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.