Thursday June 19, 2025

Garowe (HOL) – Puntland regional authorities have firmly
rejected individuals participating in the ongoing National Consultation Forum
in Mogadishu to represent the Puntland state, reiterating the administration’s
official boycott of the conference.

Speaking to reporters in Garowe on Wednesday, Puntland’s
Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir, dismissed the attendees as
politically irrelevant figures with no legitimacy or public mandate in
Puntland.

“These individuals have previously failed in Puntland’s
political landscape. They attempted to incite unrest and were rejected by the
people. They are a political cancer that Puntland society has already removed —
and it will not return,” said Minister Dirir.

The minister accused the Federal Government of attempting to
use these individuals to sow division and give a false impression of
inclusivity at the Mogadishu forum. He said the gathering lacks legitimacy and
meaningful outcomes, describing it as a political maneuver orchestrated by
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

“President Hassan Sheikh is governing unilaterally, avoiding
genuine dialogue. The people invited to Mogadishu do not represent their
communities, and the President has previously obstructed efforts for inclusive
political consultations,” he added.

Minister Dirir also criticized Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi
Barre, accusing him of failing in his constitutional role and not effectively
contributing to inclusive national leadership.

The National Consultation Forum, which opened earlier this
week in Mogadishu, has drawn participation from former presidents, federal and
state officials, influential Somali leaders, and scholars. However, key
opposition parties and Puntland officials have boycotted the event, citing
procedural and political concerns.

Opposition parties affiliated with the Somali Salvation
Forum released a joint statement outlining preconditions for their
participation, including the formation of a joint technical committee to define
the agenda and timeline, a focus on constitutional and electoral issues, and
full inclusion of all federal member state leaders.