Saturday June 14, 2025

Garowe (HOL) – Puntland regional state leader Said Abdullahi
Deni on Saturday reaffirmed that his administration would not allow development
projects driven by political agendas to be implemented within Puntland
territory.

Speaking in Garowe during the inauguration of a new $5
million bridge funded by the World Bank, President Deni emphasized that all
development initiatives must follow proper procedures and serve the genuine
interests of the people of Puntland.

“Sometimes I hear that the Puntland government has rejected
projects. If they are projects that do not serve a clear purpose, or are
intended to damage the reputation of Puntland, we reject them. This must be
understood,” said President Deni.

He further claimed that some corrupt projects are being
pushed by individuals from Puntland currently based in Mogadishu, suggesting a
misuse of federal channels for local political influence.

President Deni’s remarks come amid growing accusations from
opposition politicians, who have claimed that he is obstructing federal
development initiatives, including the controversial Xarfo-Galkayo road
construction project, which has triggered violent clashes in parts of the Mudug
region.

The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the
Puntland regional administration and the Federal Government of Somalia over resource
allocation, project oversight, and political autonomy. President Deni’s
administration remains at odds with Villa Somalia over what it perceives as
overreach and politically driven development programs.