GAROWE, Somalia, Jan 12 (AFP) — Puntland’s president, Said Abdullahi Deni, said his regional administration would take part in a proposed national dialogue scheduled for Jan. 20 if Somalia’s president agrees to convene it, warning that rejecting the initiative would yield no progress.
Speaking during a meeting with youth in Puntland, Deni said the region is ready to engage in talks aimed at resolving Somalia’s deepening political disputes, provided there are genuine efforts to reach consensus.
“If President Hassan Sheikh accepts the call to convene the dialogue on the 20th of this month, Puntland will attend and present its position. But if he rejects it, we will remain where we are,” Deni said.
His remarks come as tensions escalate between Somalia’s federal government and some federal member states, driven by disagreements over constitutional changes, the electoral process and the structure of governance.
Puntland has repeatedly called for an inclusive national dialogue involving all stakeholders to ensure stability, unity and a sustainable political future for the country.
Civil society groups and international partners have also urged support for peace and reconciliation efforts, warning that prolonged political divisions risk undermining Somalia’s fragile gains.
