Garowe (Dawan Africa) – Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued a strong warning to the SSC-Khaatumo administration on Mondays, accusing them of illegally interfering in the governance of the Sanaag region, which he asserts falls under Puntland’s jurisdiction as a member state of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of a new batch of Puntland security forces, Deni called on SSC-Khaatumo to immediately cease its activities in the Sanaag region, emphasizing that Puntland had established clear governance and authority there. “We expect you to stick to your own administration and immediately cease your interference in the Sanaag region. Otherwise, you will face consequences that you do not deserve,” he said.
The sate president further highlighted that Puntland had held elections in Sanaag and set up formal government institutions in the region, asserting that these actions clearly indicate Garowe’s legitimate authority over the area.
Deni also criticized the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of deploying troops to the Sanaag region. He labeled the federal government’s involvement as unacceptable interference in Puntland’s internal affairs.
The Sanaag region has been the subject of a complex and ongoing dispute involving Puntland, Somaliland, and SSC-Khaatumo. Each of these parties claims control over the region based on historical, clan, and political grounds. Recently, the SSC-Khaatumo administration, which governs the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC), was formally recognized by the Federal Government as an official federal member state. This recognition has intensified the governance conflict in Sanaag, which remains one of the most contested areas in northern Somalia.
