Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has announced that he will not seek a third term in office, saying the Puntland Constitution limits a president to two terms and that he intends to respect that provision.

Deni made the announcement during a speech in Galkayo, where he also indicated that the ruling Kaah political party would field its own candidate in the next election.

“The Constitution allowed me to lead Puntland for two terms, and I was elected for both of them. I still have two years remaining in office. Anyone who wants the position should come forward and compete in a free election held on time. Our party will have a candidate, and we will build that candidate,” Deni said.

The announcement effectively addresses speculation that Puntland’s constitutional framework could be reopened to allow Deni to seek a third term.

Opposition figures had previously expressed concern that changes to the constitutional system could potentially extend the president’s tenure or create a pathway for him to remain in office beyond the two-term limit.

Deni’s decision is significant for Puntland’s political landscape because it removes one of the major uncertainties surrounding the 2029 presidential election.

With the incumbent saying he will not be a candidate, potential contenders within Kaah and opposition parties have an opportunity to begin preparing for what could become a competitive succession race.

The president’s statement also signals that Deni intends to remain influential in Puntland politics even after leaving office.

By saying that Kaah will nominate a candidate, he has indicated that the ruling party is likely to seek to retain control of the administration through a successor rather than relying on his personal candidacy.

The question of who will receive Deni’s backing and ultimately emerge as Kaah’s presidential candidate is therefore expected to become a major issue in Puntland politics over the coming years.

Competition within the ruling party could intensify as senior officials and political figures position themselves for the nomination.

Deni, who has served as Puntland president since 2019 after winning the presidency through a parliamentary election, has faced political challenges involving opposition groups, federal-government relations, security issues and debates over Puntland’s electoral system.

His decision not to seek another term could help reduce some of the political uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the administration.

At the same time, the credibility of the 2029 election will depend heavily on how the electoral process is managed. Key issues are likely to include the political-party system, electoral rules, the role of Puntland’s institutions and whether competing political groups are able to campaign freely.

Deni now has roughly two years remaining in his current term, giving his administration time to focus on its political and institutional legacy.

His record in office, including his handling of security, relations with Mogadishu, economic development and Puntland’s internal political disputes, is likely to shape how voters assess both him and the candidate backed by his administration.

The announcement could also encourage opposition parties and potential presidential candidates to accelerate their preparations.

New political alliances and rivalries are likely to emerge as Puntland moves closer to the 2029 election, potentially making the succession contest one of the most closely watched political developments in the region.

If Deni ultimately follows through on his pledge and leaves office at the end of his second term, his decision would mark an important moment in Puntland’s political history.

It would also allow the 2029 election to take place without a sitting president seeking to extend his tenure, potentially creating greater space for a competitive transfer of power.

For now, attention will increasingly turn to Kaah’s choice of presidential candidate, the emergence of opposition contenders and whether Puntland’s political actors can ensure that the next leadership contest is conducted peacefully, transparently and according to the territory’s electoral and constitutional framework.

The Puntland Cabinet held a meeting on August 6, 2026, chaired by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and attended by Vice President Ilyaas Osman Lugatoor, with security developments across the state dominating the discussions.

The Cabinet praised recent operations by Puntland security forces in several areas, claiming they had thwarted what it described as a planned attempt by Somalia’s Federal Government to undermine Puntland’s security and institutions.

The Federal Government has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The Cabinet ordered security agencies to prevent unauthorized troops and military vehicles from operating inside Puntland and directed security forces to strengthen efforts against piracy and illegal fishing in Puntland’s waters.

It also approved the referral of politicians, military officers and other individuals accused of threatening Puntland’s security to judicial authorities.

The Cabinet further warned media outlets and social-media users against spreading what it called false or defamatory information targeting Puntland’s institutions, while instructing security forces to operate in accordance with the constitution and human-rights laws.

It urged residents to help protect peace, security and social cohesion across the region.

GAROWE (Kaab TV) – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting with governors from Puntland’s regions, focusing on security, drought response, governance reforms, and the acceleration of development projects across the state.

According to officials from the Puntland Presidency, the meeting reviewed the overall situation in Puntland’s regions, including security conditions, humanitarian challenges, ongoing infrastructure projects, and efforts aimed at improving public services and local administration.

Regional governors presented detailed reports on the conditions in their respective areas, particularly concerning security threats, the impact of recurring droughts, economic pressures facing communities, and the status of government-led development initiatives.

The governors also briefed President Deni on the humanitarian effects of water shortages and livestock losses in drought-affected regions, warning that worsening environmental conditions are increasing displacement and placing additional strain on vulnerable communities.

Security was among the key issues discussed during the meeting, especially ongoing efforts by Puntland forces to maintain stability and counter threats posed by armed groups operating in parts of the Bari region and mountainous areas of Puntland. Officials emphasized the need for stronger coordination between regional administrations and security agencies to improve local security and public safety.

The meeting further focused on expanding basic public services, including healthcare, education, roads, and local government administration, as Puntland seeks to strengthen governance structures and improve service delivery in remote districts.

Sources close to the discussions said the governors raised concerns over budget limitations, transportation challenges, and shortages in government resources needed to effectively manage local administrations and respond to humanitarian crises.

As part of the outcomes of the meeting, the Puntland Presidency announced plans to accelerate regional development programs and improve coordination between state institutions and local authorities. President Deni reportedly instructed governors to strengthen oversight of public services and increase engagement with local communities to address growing social and economic concerns.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Puntland Presidency handed over new government vehicles to regional governors to support administrative operations, facilitate the delivery of public services, and improve mobility for local authorities working in remote areas.

The meeting comes at a time when Puntland is facing multiple challenges, including security threats, political tensions, rising living costs, and recurring drought conditions affecting large parts of the region. Analysts say Puntland’s leadership is increasingly under pressure to balance security priorities with economic recovery and humanitarian response efforts.