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In a shocking revelation, Dr. Guled Salah Barre, the former chairman of the Puntland Electoral Commission, has accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of allowing ISIS to strengthen its presence in the Bari region over the past six years. Dr. Guled, who ran against President Deni in the 2024 Puntland presidential election, claims that the administration’s inaction enabled the militant group to expand its influence and operations in the region.
Dr. Guled’s accusations come on the heels of a successful military offensive launched in January 2025 to drive ISIS militants from the Bari region. In a Facebook post, he questioned why Puntland authorities had not acted sooner. “Did they just appear overnight, arriving in boats like Al-Shabaab fighters once did near Garacad and Eyl? Weren’t these same young men fighting now already part of our security forces? If President Deni could mobilize troops in months, why did he do nothing for six years when the enemy was weaker?” he wrote.
The former election chief also condemned the government’s inaction regarding civilians displaced from militant-held areas. He called for accountability and proposed several measures to prevent ISIS from regrouping, including establishing permanent military bases in the Calmiskaad Mountains and launching thorough investigations into financial networks and local collaborators who supported the group. Dr. Guled emphasized that those responsible must be brought to justice.
President Deni has faced criticism for his handling of the ISIS threat in Puntland. While his administration has recently achieved significant success in combating the militant group, questions remain about why it took so long to take decisive action. Critics argue that the delay allowed ISIS to strengthen its foothold in the region, making it more difficult to eradicate the group entirely.
Despite the criticism, President Deni has received resounding backing from his own people, who have stood united in the ongoing military operations in the Bari region. Under his leadership, Puntland’s security forces have achieved remarkable success in their campaign against ISIS, particularly in the mountainous areas of Cal-Miskaad. The operations have led to the swift removal of ISIS fighters from their strongholds, far exceeding initial expectations.
The situation highlights a key issue: the Somali federal government has not provided adequate support to Puntland in its battle against ISIS. Reports suggest that the federal government has largely remained silent, and Puntland has had to rely on its own resources, both in terms of military support and financial assistance. The federal government’s perceived lack of support has fueled a sense of frustration, with many critics accusing the central government of politicizing the fight against terrorism and sidelining Puntland’s efforts.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has accused President Deni of rejecting an offer of military and logistical support from the federal government to bolster efforts against ISIS militants in the northeastern region. Fiqi stated that Mogadishu had proposed providing weapons, medical aid, and military supplies to support Puntland’s counterterrorism operations. However, he claimed that Deni refused the assistance, shutting down all efforts at cooperation.
The dispute spotlights the long-standing political and security tensions between Puntland and the federal government. In April 2024, Puntland declared it would operate independently from Mogadishu until Somalia’s constitution was revised and ratified through a national referendum. The region accused the federal government of undermining its autonomy and has since pursued policies that distance it from Mogadishu’s authority.
As Puntland continues its fight against ISIS, the region’s leadership and the federal government must find a way to collaborate effectively to ensure the security and stability of the region. The accusations against President Deni underscore the need for accountability and decisive action in addressing the threat posed by militant groups. The people of Puntland deserve a government that prioritizes their safety and well-being, and it is crucial for all parties involved to work together to achieve this goal.