Nairobi, Kenya — In a flurry of diplomatic activity President of the Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni met with a series of Western ambassadors this week underscoring the autonomous state’s growing engagement with international partners amid escalating tensions with federal government supported by African Union and United Nations.
On Monday President Said Deni hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, along with other U.S. Embassy officials. Discussions centered on deepening the long-standing cooperation between Puntland and the United States, with a particular emphasis on counterterrorism efforts the strengthening of Puntland’s security institutions and advancing development and investment projects across the region.
Joining the talks were key members of the Puntland governmnent, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Cabinet members, Presidential Advisors and senior officers from the Puntland security sector. The meeting reflected the increasing importance of Puntland in the U.S.’s broader strategy particularly as the self-state faces future security challenges from militant groups Al-Shabaab and Daesh.
In a separate set of meetings, President Deni received European diplomats including Ambassador Sebastian Groth of Germany, Ambassador Steen Sonne Andersen of Denmark and Ambassador Joachim Waern of Sweden. The discussions highlighted ongoing development projects in Puntland, the state’s progress in democratization and broader political dynamics.
These diplomatic engagements come against the backdrop of a growing rift between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) based in Mogadishu. The tension escalated following a recent decision by Puntland to withdraw its recognition of the FGS after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made changes to the provisional federal constitution. The amendments, Puntland seen as an attempt to centralize power, have sparked a backlash from Puntland politicians, which has long advocated for a decentralized federal system.
The long-standing conflict between Puntland and federal government backed by the United Nations on issues of resource sharing and governance. While Mogadishu’s leadership appears to be pushing for a more centralized state akin to the former Somali Democratic Republic under Siad Barre, Puntland’s leaders are firmly committed to a federal model that allows for greater autonomy among Somalia’s states.
As Puntland strengthens its ties with international partners, the state’s leaders appear to be positioning themselves as a critical player in Somalia’s future, with implications for the balance of power within the country.
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