The State Minister of Defense of Somalia, Omar Ali Abdi, has made serious allegations against the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, criticizing the policies of the Puntland administration and his relationship with the federal government.
In an interview with a local media outlet, the minister claimed that a large number of Puntland youth have migrated, while others have moved to Mogadishu to seek work.
“At least 60% of the youth who migrated are from Puntland, while almost 40% of the remaining live in Mogadishu,” the minister said.
Omar Ali Abdi also accused President Deni of obstructing some of the federal government’s services and programs, citing national identity and other issues related to youth opportunities as examples.
Meanwhile, the minister said that the Puntland President has consistently opposed the federal government’s efforts, accusing him of disrupting projects and plans implemented by the central government.
He also recalled the controversy over a weapons ship that was seized off the coast of Puntland in recent years, describing the Puntland administration’s action as a violation of the federal government.
The minister’s statement comes at a time when the political dispute between the Federal Government of Somalia and Puntland is still ongoing, based on issues related to the constitution, elections and the sharing of power in the country.
Puntland has not yet officially responded to the allegations made by the Somali State Minister of Defense.
