By Mohamed Abdiqafar H. Hussein

Freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly form the cornerstone of any functioning democracy, especially in societies emerging from decades of authoritarian rule. Countries such as Somalia and by extension its federal member states like Puntland are navigating the challenging transition from oppressive systems to more open, participatory governance. In such contexts, protecting citizens’ ability to express dissent and gather without fear is not just a constitutional principle but a critical tool for nation-building. Without these freedoms, the democratic process remains hollow, and the risk of sliding back into repression or conflict increases.

The Galkacyo Conference highlights the current challenges in Puntland’s governance, where restrictions on public gatherings and the suppression of civic participation are growing concerns.

The Mudug Development Forum called for a regional development conference to be held in Galkacyo on July 30, 2025. The conference was planned to last three days. The forum was formed following a series of troubling incidents.

It all began when youth in Galkacyo staged an uprising against the Puntland government, citing years of neglect, especially in the Mudug region. One major grievance was the poor condition of the Galkacyo–Harfo road, widely considered one of the worst in Puntland. Roadworks were reportedly slated for funding by the African Development Bank, but due to disagreements between the Puntland and federal governments, the project never moved forward. Other key concerns included Galkacyo Airport and the lack of a functioning drainage system in the city.

After raising their concerns, five youths suspected of organizing protests were arrested in early morning raids at their homes. They were accused of being funded by the federal government, and their phones were searched. In response, the Mudug Development Forum was established to support the youth and seek real solutions to the issues raised.

The forum quickly released a statement demanding the release of the detained youth—who were eventually freed. Many locals joined the movement, and a major meeting was scheduled to take place in Galkacyo from July 30 to August 1. However, that plan was disrupted.

The reason: the Puntland government did not want that meeting to happen. And if it was going to happen, it wanted to make sure nothing meaningful would come out of it.

As soon as the meeting was announced, the governor of the Mudug region Faisal Sh Ali, who has been instructed by President Deni, publicly stated that no such conference could take place unless it was proven not to originate from Mogadishu. Organizers were accused of collaborating with the federal government—even though many within the forum were Puntlanders working closely with the Puntland government itself. The same tactic that was used during the last election was used again this time. The governor insisted the meeting could not take place, but he knew that at the last minute he would allow the meeting to be held, when the organizers were no longer expecting it could go ahead. Everyone was on standby, not knowing whether the meeting would take place. The day the governor said the meeting could be held, more parliamentarians and ministers arrived to dominate the meeting and to demonstrate power.

Instead of cooperating, Puntland officials, including ministers and the governor, scheduled multiple unnecessary meetings with the organizers—wasting valuable time meant for planning the event. The organizers attempted to work in good faith. They shared the agenda, submitted the names of expected attendees from outside the region, and asked for collaboration. But the governor insisted that many of those listed could not attend, and that so-called “political” terms like “representation” and “accountability” be removed from the agenda.

On the very day the original meeting was supposed to begin, the government—along with a few suspected collaborators among the organizers—introduced a new plan that made little sense. That plan was agreed upon on July 30, 2025—the same day the original conference was scheduled to begin.

The new arrangement included forming an 11-member committee with only hours left in the day. Six members were from the original Mudug forum and five were newly added. To prevent disputes, six additional people were chosen—three by the government and three by the original organizers. Nine more members, including ministers and elders, were selected to act as overseers. None of these people had met before. Yet they were expected to organize an entire conference in just a few hours.

To many—including Mohamed Abdi Baldho, the chair of the Mudug Development Forum—this made no sense.

It was clear what kind of event this would turn out to be: a government-run gathering without a clear agenda, where ministers would dominate the stage, and much of the time would be filled with songs praising President Said Abdullahi Deni. Anyone who could grab the mic would speak. It would be a theatrical production, not a solution. This was not the conference the youth envisioned. It was run by the same people the youth believed had neglected their region for years.

The Puntland government missed a major opportunity. All it had to do was let the original conference proceed as planned. The organizers had already agreed to share the agenda. They knew they needed government involvement to implement any serious plan. They even welcomed government participation. It could have been a win-win. The government could have shown that it respects the constitution and listens to its people.

Instead, it opted for control over collaboration. This behavior reveals the true nature of the current Puntland government. The constitution gives citizens the right to organize meetings, whether for political or developmental purposes. But the government insists it must oversee everything. If Puntland had declared a state of emergency, that might make sense. But there was no such declaration. The government simply wants full control, ignoring constitutional rights.

Even when it finally agreed to allow a two-day meeting, people celebrated—not because the government did something extraordinary, but because it finally allowed what the constitution already permits. It seems the government has programmed people to believe the constitution is whatever the Puntland government declares it is. The governor’s and the president’s words are the constitution. The day some of the organizers were coming from airport, President Said Abdulahi Deni is said to have called the management of the airport directly to tell them nobody should be allowed to video or photograph those arriving for the conference. That is how far the government goes to exert control over people’s freedom.

Still, there is hope. The youth who sparked this movement are determined to hold their government accountable. They know some people within the forum were working with the government to derail the process. Going forward, the youth are organizing independently and demanding their rights. They want development, safety, and representation.

These are basic, fixable demands—if the government truly cares about its people. Instead, what the government showed Puntlanders was how desperate it is to cling to power. The Puntland constitution clearly states the president is limited to two terms. But the current administration’s actions show that it is more interested in staying in power than leaving a legacy. And the people are watching.

Mohamed Abdiqafar H. Hussein
Email: Mohabdhusgmail.com