Garowe (KAAB TV) – The Minister of Information for the Puntland Regional Government, Mohamud Ayid Dirir, has officially announced that Puntland’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, will be a candidate in Somalia’s 2026 presidential election.
He described President Deni as a capable and dependable leader, with a proven track record of governance.
Minister Dirir emphasized that Somalia is currently facing deep political instability and uncertainty, and that strong leadership is urgently needed to restore national order and unity.
He asserted that President Deni is the right person to navigate the country through this turbulent period.
“In light of the political crisis that Somalia is experiencing, President Said Abdullahi Deni is prepared to once again rise to the challenge,” said Minister Dirir. “He is not just a candidate—he is a rescuer.
Puntland has a history of stepping up in times of national difficulty, as it did during the era of former President Abdullahi Yusuf. Once again, Puntland is ready to rescue Somalia, and President Deni is the only leader with a proven and consistent performance record.”
The Information Minister also criticized the central government’s recent actions, particularly in the area of immigration enforcement.
He accused the federal government of overreaching its authority, noting that its effective control does not extend beyond Mogadishu. He stated that the federal government lacks the jurisdiction to impose immigration regulations on autonomous regions such as Puntland and Jubbaland.
“The federal government has shown an aggressive stance in matters it has no mandate over,” said Minister Dirir. “It must be made clear that Puntland and Jubbaland operate with their own legal frameworks, especially when it comes to matters like immigration.
The federal government cannot enforce its decisions outside of Mogadishu without broad-based consensus and constitutional clarity.”
This announcement signals a strong political push from Puntland in anticipation of the 2026 elections, positioning President Deni as a prominent contender for national leadership at a time when Somalia’s federal system faces increasing tension and uncertainty.