GAROWE, Somalia – The President of the Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, who last night announced his candidacy in Garowe, spoke about sensitive issues, including the Somalia-Somaliland talks in Djibouti.
President Deni said the summit in Djibouti doesn’t serve for the interest of Somalia as Puntland is absent from the table.
Deni welcomed the decision of SSC Khatumo for its independence from Puntland and self-governance after liberated LasAnod city.
“Supporting the self-determination of the people of Khatumo is one of my political programs if I return to power. Puntland has spent a lot of money on the liberation of the Sool region, which is now ruled by SSC Khatumo. I respect the decision and the will of the people,” he said.
Deni added that donor funds allocated to Puntland are still stuck in Mogadishu due to the fallout between him and president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“I am telling the people that Puntland has faced severe sanctions from the federal government, and our international aid halted in Mogadishu by the Federal government,” added Deni.
Finally, Deni declared that on January 8, with only 10 days left, the Puntland elections will take place with the 17 MPs from SSC Khatumo amid lack of consensus.
