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Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has raised strong concerns over the ongoing military operations by the Somali federal government in the Gedo region, warning that the conflict could destabilize the entire country.
Speaking on Friday, Deni urged the federal government to immediately pull its troops out of Gedo. He said the recent military deployments have triggered violent clashes between different army factions, leading to civilian deaths and forcing many people to flee their homes.
“This conflict is not only tragic but dangerous,” Deni said. “If it continues, it could lead to the collapse of the Somali state. The government must act responsibly and think of the Somali people.”
The fighting in Gedo is part of a broader political and military struggle between the federal government and the Jubbaland regional administration. Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, is a key ally of Deni and has long disputed federal control over the region.
Deni accused the federal government of choosing political fights instead of promoting national unity. He said that rather than building trust among regions and citizens, the government is causing division for its own political gain.
“It’s troubling that a government meant to unite Somalis is instead creating internal conflict,” Deni said. “These actions are short-sighted and dangerous.”
He also expressed concern that the continued violence could damage Somalia’s reputation with international partners. According to Deni, the fighting may discourage foreign donors and allies from supporting Somalia’s recovery and development efforts.
The Gedo region has become a flashpoint in the larger tensions between Somalia’s central government and its federal member states. Many regional leaders feel that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration is trying to centralize power, ignoring the federal system that is supposed to guide governance in the country.
Deni emphasized that these internal power struggles come at a time when Somalia faces growing threats from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab. He criticized the federal government for focusing its military on disputes with other Somali regions instead of fighting terrorism.
“While Al-Shabaab is gaining ground, the government is using the national army to fight peaceful communities,” Deni said. “This weakens Somalia’s national security and harms our image internationally.”
The Puntland president called for immediate action to prevent further violence and loss of life. He said the federal government should prioritize dialogue and cooperation with member states rather than use military force to settle political disputes.
Deni also warned that if the situation continues, it could trigger a breakdown in the country’s fragile political system. He urged Somalia’s leaders to put the nation’s interests first and to avoid decisions that could deepen divisions among its people.
“The government must take a step back, listen to the voices of the regions, and work toward unity,” he said. “We must avoid actions that push Somalia toward conflict and instability.”
In summary, President Deni is asking the Somali federal government to end its military campaign in Gedo, resolve differences through peaceful dialogue, and focus on the real security threats facing the country. He believes the current approach is not only harmful to civilians but also puts the entire nation at risk of political collapse and international isolation.