Speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril expressed disappointment that the leaders of IGAD neglected to acknowledge the crisis in Laascaanood, refusing to condemn the killing and displacement of civilians.

He urged Somaliland to adhere to the UN Security Council decision, which demands an immediate withdrawal of its forces from Laascaanood.

During the 52nd Sitting of the Puntland Parliament in Garowe on Thursday, Speaker Jibril emphasized Puntland’s readiness to defend the people of Laascaanood against what he described as “Somaliland’s aggressive invasion and attempt to divide the country.”

He commended the UN Security Council for its strong stance, reflected in last week’s decision calling for the immediate withdrawal of Somaliland forces from Laascaanood.

“I condemn the press conference of the IGAD Regional Organization that took place on June 14, 2023, which contradicts the Resolution of the United Nations Security Council on the actual situation in Laascaanood,” Speaker Jibril stated.

He added, “We are defending the Sool region and working to free its people from the enemy.”

The disputed city of Laascaanood has witnessed ongoing clashes since February 6, between forces in the self-declared state of Somaliland and local militia from the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia, who oppose Somaliland’s secessionist movement.

Laascaanood, situated in a region between Somaliland and Puntland, has become a contentious focal point, with both regions laying claim to the city.

According to information obtained from hospitals in Laascaanood, the conflict has resulted in a death toll of 299, with 1,913 injured and over 200,000 displaced since its inception.

“Unlawful” attempts to violate Somalia’s federal constitution

In his address, the Puntland Parliament Speaker also denounced the “unlawful” attempts to violate Somalia’s federal constitution by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a recent gathering in Mogadishu.

At the meeting, the National Consultative Council, which comprises the federal government and federal member states (excluding Puntland), agreed to a declaration to amend certain provisions of the country’s provisional constitution.

“Abusing the powers of government offices and pursuing personal interests within the highest positions of the country is a responsibility that demands accountability,” Speaker Jibril asserted.

Puntland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of obstructing the country’s progress by attempting to extend his term, which not only erodes trust but also generates new conflicts in the fragile Horn of Africa nation.

The Speaker urged the Somali federal parliament to safeguard the constitution and the unity of the Somali nation, holding the country’s leaders accountable for violating constitutional provisions and other laws.

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The partners, which include the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Belgium, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, the European Union (EU) Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Norway, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Russia, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations, praised Puntland’s determination to fulfill its democratic aspirations and commitments.

Recognizing the significant challenges faced by Puntland’s Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) in preparing for this historic event of direct elections, the international partners acknowledged the commendable efforts put forth by the commission. Overcoming obstacles along the way, TPEC has been working tirelessly to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

“The partners acknowledge the efforts, notably by the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC), to overcome significant challenges in preparing for this historic event of direct elections,” it said.

Maintaining a peaceful atmosphere throughout the elections

In their statement, the international partners urged all stakeholders involved to contribute to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere throughout the elections. They emphasized the importance of resolving any questions or disputes that may arise through constructive dialogue and adherence to the legal framework.

Furthermore, the partners expressed their belief that Puntland’s experience with direct elections could serve as a valuable example and inspiration for the expansion of democracy across Somalia at all levels of government. Demonstrating their commitment to supporting Somalia’s ongoing democratization process, the international partners affirmed their dedication to providing continued assistance and guidance.

The district council elections in Puntland hold significance as they mark another step forward in the country’s nascent democracy.

With international partners rallying behind the process, Puntland’s aspirations for an inclusive and transparent electoral system receive crucial backing. As the election day draws near, all eyes are on Puntland to observe its progress towards a more democratic and participatory governance system.

Amidst preparations for the district council elections in Puntland, allegations have emerged regarding the alleged interference of the Mogadishu government in an attempt to create chaos ahead of the planned elections. According to sources, the Federal Government of Somalia has been accused of funding local politicians and armed groups with the intention of inciting violence and destabilizing the electoral process in Puntland.

This alleged interference came to light on May 16 when a violent gun fight incident in Garowe city resulted in the loss of at least three lives including two policemen. While investigations are ongoing, these allegations have raised concerns about the peace and stability of a region known to be more peaceful for decades, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and fair environment in which the democratic aspirations of the people of Puntland can be realized.

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The gunmen, which opposed the planned local elections in the region, are allegedly receiving financial support from the federal government in Mogadishu, raising concerns about possible violence ahead of the polling next week.

The armed men drawn mainly from Puntland armed forces are in strong opposition to the current administration, set up roadblocks on major routes leading into Garowe, effectively isolating the Garowe city from the rest of the region.

The move caused significant disruption to transportation and trade, leaving residents and businesses in a state of fear and uncertainty.

Sources close to the situation revealed that the militia’s opposition to the local elections stems from their belief that president Said Abdullahi Deni might be using the upcoming council elections to extend his term in office.

Deni’s term is set to elapse in January 2024.

The Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) yesterday announced that the election will be held on time on Thursday 25 May 2023 and called all political sides to keep peace and stability.

However, local politicians and clan elders have come out publicly to denounce the federal government in Mogadishu which they say is attempting to exert influence over Puntland’s local governance, undermining the nascent democracy of the region.

Allegations have surfaced suggesting financial support from Mogadishu to opposition politicians who have been assisting the armed men to group in Garowe. These claims have raised concerns among local residents, who fear that the electoral process might be turn violent.

Last week, at least three people – two police officers and a young boy – were killed after a fighting erupted outside a security checkpoint near Garowe Airport after troops escorting vehicles carrying the ballot boxes were attacked by gunmen loyal to opposition politicians.

Puntland’s interior minister Abdi Said Juha condemned the actions of the armed men and vowed to take legal action against the perpetrators.

Puntland state of Somalia has issued an order for the immediate arrest of four politicians including the former Minister of Finance of Puntland, Hassan Shire Abgaal, the Federal Presidential Adviser, Khadar Faroole, former Minister Mahmoud Shido, and Mohamed Jama Farah. All four were alleged to have orchestrated the deadly fight near the airport.

As tensions persist and the roadblocks continue to hinder movement, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. The people of Garowe anxiously await a resolution to this impasse, hoping that their voices will be heard in the upcoming local elections and that their region’s move to democracy will be preserved.

The federal government in Mogadishu has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations of funding the armed militia opposing the planned local elections. However, the claims have further strained the already complex relationship between the federal government and regional administrations, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining a unified and stable Somalia.

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Upon assuming office as President of Somalia last year, Hassan Sheikh declared his desire to achieve peace within the country and with the international community. However, it quickly became apparent that his manner of managing government affairs would not lead to a peaceful Somalia. Specifically, he focused his administration on his party, neglecting the presidential candidates who had helped him  secure victory.

This situation was compounded by the conflict that arose between President Said Abdulahi Deni and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with some accusing the latter of reneging on the deal made during the presidential election and others attributing it to constitutional differences.

The conflict between the two presidents escalated after President Hassan spoke from the Villa Somalia Masjid, where he predicted that Puntland might cease to exist after 24 days if President Deni did not heed the people’s desire. He also suggested that after 24 years of Puntland’s existence, it would not be fair for that to happen. President Hassan attempted to drive a wedge between the people of Puntland and their government by asserting that the leadership was the issue, not the people themselves. He warned President Deni that his plan to extend his rule would not succeed.

Constitutional dispute

Many Puntlanders perceived President Hassan’s speech as interference in their internal affairs, while supporters of President Deni viewed it as a threat. President Hassan implied that he possessed knowledge that was unknown to most Puntlanders. There is a constitutional dispute between President Deni and the opposition, who alleged that he sought to extend his rule.

However, President Deni did not publicly address these accusations. It would have been appropriate for him to clarify his position, but instead, Puntlanders were left unaware of his intentions. There was no other known issue standing in the way of upcoming election.

However, the impasse between the two presidents necessitated the intervention of Prime Minister Hamza Ali Barre, who had an ideal opportunity to resolve the conflict. There was no known animosity between him and the President of Puntland. As the executive of the Somali government, it was in his interests for Puntland to be on the discussion table. The prime minister himself recognized the importance of Puntland. Even if President Deni refused to engage with him, the Prime Minister could have leveraged other channels, including traditional elders, to reach out to President Deni. By listening to Puntland’s concerns and seeking a feasible solution, he could have played a pivotal role in resolving the crisis.

‘Rhetoric only inflamed the situation’

Instead, the prime minister held a similar view to that of President Hassan regarding the Puntland issue. Two days after President Hassan’s speech, the prime minister repeated his sentiments, stating that the Puntland people did not deserve their leaders and that the Somali government would not allow one sole individual to destroy Puntland. He also mentioned that Puntland did not participate in the last two meetings that should have addressed Somali debt relief, and said that if the relief effort failed, it would be Puntland state’s responsibility, not his government’s. However, this rhetoric only inflamed the situation and did not facilitate any progress towards resolving the issue.

The Prime Minister’s primary objective should be to ensure that Puntland makes progress in its upcoming election and that Somalia’s five billion dollar debt is relieved. However, his statements only pushed Puntland further into a corner, negatively affecting the prospects of Somali debt relief, an initiative that he had previously deemed crucial for the development of both Puntland and the rest of Somalia. Additionally, if anything happens to the upcoming election, the President and Prime Minister would be held responsible.

Given the current situation between the parties, the first step in finding a solution would be to cease communicating via social media. The Somali people expected the federal government to move forward from the point at which it assumed power. Therefore, the federal government should engage the Puntland state through means that do not involve interference in its internal affairs. Puntlanders should be allowed to solve their internal issues without external influence. Rather than engaging in finger-pointing, the federal state should also address Puntland’s concerns that the government’s actions are not based on the federal constitution.

To resolve its conflict with Puntland and to achieve peace and stability in Somalia, it is essential for the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with Puntland. The Prime Minister’s recent remarks have only added to the already complex situation and stalled any progress towards resolving the issue. It is time for all parties involved to prioritize peace and stability in Somalia.

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Mohamed Abdiqafar Haji Hussein is an independent writer and analyst based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He can be reached at Email: mohabdhus@gmail.com

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Kaab TV or its editors.

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