The Minister of Interior, Federal and Reconciliation of Somalia, Ali Yusuf Ali (Hoosh), has strongly responded to the recent statements made by the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni.
Minister Ali Khoosh described it as “a big shame” that President Deni, who has previously served as a minister and parliamentarian in the federal government, and also ran for the office of the president of Somalia, has spoken offensive words to Puntland officials who hold federal positions.
The Minister of Internal Affairs spoke specifically about the term “people who went to work”, which he said was used by Puntland officials who work in the federal government.
Xoosh described the statement as showing a misunderstanding about the federal system and the way in which the states and the central government are part of the Somali government.
“It is unfortunate that today the people of Puntland are confronted with statements that lower the status and role of the Puntland people at the national level,” said Xoosh, noting that the people of Puntland have a historic role in the governance of Somalia.
Xoosh also questioned how Deni can ask the Somali people for a national position in the future, saying that the words that divide the society will damage the sense of government shared by Somalis.
The minister said that the people living in the areas that President Deni is currently visiting are waiting for services such as roads, schools, health centers, water wells and medical transport, instead of creating political enemies or intimidation.
A few days ago, Deni described Puntland politicians who work for the federal government as people who have gone to work and do not represent Puntland.