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Former chairman of the Puntland Electoral Commission, Guuleed Salah Barre, has launched a scathing attack on Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, accusing him of enabling the illegal extraction of natural resources and mismanaging the semi-autonomous region’s governance. Speaking to reporters in Garowe, Barre alleged that foreign mercenary companies have been hired to exploit resource-rich areas in Sanaag and Bari regions under the approval of the Deni administration.
“You are now aware that Puntland’s natural resources are being illegally extracted, that mercenary companies have been hired, that they want to plunder the resources,” Barre stated, warning that the region’s wealth is being siphoned without public oversight or benefit. His remarks have intensified political tensions in Puntland, where opposition figures have increasingly criticized Deni’s leadership.
Barre, who contested against Deni in the final round of the 2024 Puntland presidential election, further accused the president of transforming Puntland into a family-run enterprise. He claimed that hopes for reform under Deni’s new term have “completely collapsed,” citing economic decline, rising unemployment, and a surge in youth migration as evidence of misgovernance.
The former electoral chief also criticized Deni’s alleged attempt to reintegrate Puntland’s economy with Mogadishu, blaming the move for economic instability. “Puntland’s economy is being ruined, and its future is being mortgaged,” Barre warned, arguing that the administration’s policies have weakened the region’s financial independence.
The ongoing political standoff between Puntland and the Federal Government has further fueled concerns over governance. Barre described the dispute as a personal conflict, suggesting that Deni’s loss in federal-level political maneuvering has backfired on Puntland’s interests.
The Puntland presidency has not responded to the allegations, but Barre’s remarks reflect growing internal dissent amid mounting criticism over governance, federal relations, and resource management. Opposition leaders have called for greater transparency and public engagement in Puntland’s political and economic future, urging the administration to address concerns over resource exploitation and governance failures.
As Puntland navigates these challenges, the accusations against President Deni highlight broader concerns about leadership accountability and economic sustainability. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the administration can restore public confidence or whether opposition pressure will lead to significant political shifts.