Speaking at the opening of the 58th session of the Puntland Parliament on Wednesday, Deni claimed that the federal government bears responsibility for the re-emergence of pirate activities in Puntland’s coastal regions, alleging that the situation is part of a broader effort to undermine security and stability in the country.

The Puntland leader further alleged that former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration is financing armed youth groups in several coastal districts, including Hafun, Bandarbeyla, Eyl, and Jariban. According to Deni, some of these groups are allegedly being organized to support or participate in piracy-related activities.

“Puntland is closely monitoring activities aimed at creating armed militias in our coastal areas,” Deni said, warning that such actions could threaten regional security and disrupt ongoing efforts to combat criminal networks operating along the coast.

The accusations represent one of the strongest public criticisms directed by Puntland’s leadership at the Federal Government in recent months and are likely to deepen existing political tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu.

The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet responded to the allegations, and no independent evidence has been publicly presented to support the claims made by the Puntland president.

The remarks come at a time when concerns are growing over renewed piracy activity off the Somali coast. In recent months, several commercial vessels have reportedly been seized by pirate groups operating near Puntland’s shores, reviving fears of a security threat that had largely been contained through international naval patrols and regional security operations.

According to local authorities, pirate groups are currently holding at least three commercial vessels off the Puntland coast, particularly in the regions of Bari, Karkaar, and Mudug, while demanding ransom payments for the release of the ships and their crews.

Piracy off the Somali coast reached global prominence during the late 2000s and early 2010s, when hundreds of vessels were attacked in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. Although international efforts significantly reduced attacks over the past decade, recent incidents have raised concerns that piracy may once again be gaining a foothold in the region.

Deni reiterated Puntland’s commitment to maintaining coastal security and combating piracy, while calling for greater attention to what he described as activities threatening the stability of the region.

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