MOGADISHU [SMN] – Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni said new Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had made promises to regional states after his May 15 election.
Speaking to The Economist, Deni said the president had promised to share power and finalize a new federal constitution.
“He promised them he would share power and complete a new federal constitution,” said Deni.
Mr Mohamud, an academic and civil-rights campaigner, has a more conciliatory flavour. He has moved fast to mend bridges with opponents at home and abroad.
Said Deni, president of Puntland, the oldest and strongest of the five federal states, notes that one of Mr Mohamud’s first moves after winning the election was to invite all Somalia’s regional leaders to a meal together.
He promised them he would share power and complete a new federal constitution. “It was a good speech,” concedes Mr. Deni grudgingly (the two ran against each other in the election).
