By Mohamed Qaal - Reporter
Somalia, 16 December 2025 - Puntland State President, Said Abdullahi Deni, has acknowledged that the Federal Member State's justice system has serious shortcomings, saying major judicial reforms will be undertaken in the new year.
President Deni made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed headquarters of the Puntland Police Force in Garowe on Monday. The facility was funded the United Arab Emirates.
He said the judiciary has been widely criticized and stressed that major reforms will be undertaken beginning January next year. Deni also pledged that his administration will not tolerate corruption in the judiciary, warning judges who take bribes or fail to deliver justice that his administration will punish them.
“It is a fact that there are many flaws within the justice system,” the President said. “This is our third major objective, and God willing, come January, we will place it on the table. It will no longer be acceptable for someone wearing the title of a judge to operate openly in public in cafés, and I warn the public not to encourage such behavior.”
The President said the failure of the justice system is not solely the responsibility of government institutions, but that society also bears part of the blame.
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He noted that some traditional elders interfere with investigations, obstructing legal processes and undermining justice.
Deni emphasized the need to clearly separate customary practices from formal state governance, stating that Somali traditional norms and government institutions must be properly balanced.
He stressed that judicial reforms will be a central pillar of the government’s agenda in the coming months, describing it as essential for restoring public trust, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring justice in Puntland.
He thanked the United Arab Emirates for funding the new police headquarters, saying the facility is intended to strengthen security, improve operational efficiency, and enhance law enforcement.