Garowe (WDN)- Opposition to President Said Abdullahi Deni is growing steadily across Puntland, as public frustration mounts over his administration’s failures and authoritarian leadership style. Now in his seventh year at the helm, President Deni is facing increasing criticism for economic stagnation, high inflation, widespread unemployment, and a deepening disconnect from both the public and his own government.

President Deni, often described as controlling all aspects of governance — from the highest decisions to the minutiae of local matters — is widely known for his lack of communication and prolonged periods of disengagement. According to several sources within the Puntland political and civic landscape, the president frequently operates in isolation, with little to no regular engagement with his cabinet or constituents.

This leadership vacuum has had tangible consequences. Key infrastructure and public service projects across Puntland have either stalled or been completely neglected. In Galkayo, the city continues to suffer from seasonal flush floods and a lack of effective drainage systems — a chronic problem that has been left unaddressed for years. Likewise, the critical road linking Garowe to Galkayo remains incomplete, with construction halted.

Other long-promised projects have also failed to materialize. To name a few, these include the Galkacyo Airport and the long-stalled construction of the road that links Ceel Daahir–Badhan, both seen as vital for economic integration and mobility in the region.

With little progress on these fronts, and amid rising hardship for ordinary citizens, a chorus of opposition voices is emerging to hold the Deni administration accountable. This growing bloc includes political figures, civil society leaders, youth, and grassroots movements demanding delivery of public services, transparency and an end to the administration’s lack of accountability.

Amid growing these dissatisfaction, a new political force has also taken shape in Puntland.  A new opposition council is formed in Garowe. The platform brings together an alliance of politicians, intellectuals, youth, and women determined to present a united front in addressing the region’s growing political, economic, and social challenges.

The formation of the council marks a significant shift in Puntland’s political landscape, signaling mounting dissatisfaction with the administration of President Deni. Members of the opposition bloc describe the initiative as a “broad-based, reform-driven movement” that aims to steer the region toward transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

“We are not here to create chaos, but to create change,” Dr Guled Salah stated, who was elected as the chairman of the newly formed opposition council. “The government must learn to respond to criticism with ideas, not with character assassinations. Labeling dissenters as foreign agents or enemies of the state is both dangerous and undemocratic.”

As Puntland approaches another political turning point, the question remains whether this public outcry and oppositions can coalesce into a viable alternative — and whether President Deni will respond to mounting pressure with reform, or further entrenchment.

WardheerNews