Garowe (KAAB TV) – President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has accused certain opposition politicians of illegally recruiting soldiers from Puntland, calling the act “unacceptable” and a serious threat to the region’s stability.
Speaking at a recent press conference, President Deni directly blamed some political opponents for engaging in unauthorized military activities. He urged them to express their political opinions and criticisms through peaceful and lawful means.
“We will not stand idly by while anyone attempts to undermine the Puntland government. Anyone who violates the constitution and the laws of the land will face consequences—there is no turning back,” said President Deni.
He also noted that some individuals allegedly involved in the illegal recruitment enjoy political immunity, making it difficult for the government to take immediate action. Deni warned that if the government responds, it may be falsely accused of oppressing dissenting voices.
Recently, the Speaker of the Puntland Parliament also raised alarms over similar recruitment activities, particularly in the Sanaag region. He accused opposition politicians of orchestrating these operations and declared that any actions threatening the security and unity of Puntland would not be tolerated.
Sources indicate that Abwan Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, a former Speaker of the Puntland Parliament and current MP, is among those accused of involvement in the illegal recruitment. MP Abdirashid is also reported to be actively campaigning for the Sanaag region to join the SSC-Khatumo administration. It is believed he is working in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, which supports unification efforts involving the Sool and Sanaag regions under SSC-Khatumo.
In response to the allegations, the Puntland Parliament is currently deliberating a proposal to lift MP Abdirashid’s parliamentary immunity. If approved, it would pave the way for formal legal proceedings against him.