MOGADISHU (WDN) — Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre hosted a state dinner in Mogadishu to honor representatives from Puntland’s political parties who took part in the recently concluded National Consultative Conference.

The dinner, held at a time of increasing political friction between the Federal Government and Puntland’s leadership, was seen as a gesture of goodwill toward opposition elements within Puntland who accepted the federal invitation to engage in dialogue.

In his address, Prime Minister Barre thanked the Puntland party representatives for their participation, describing their contributions as “constructive and timely” on matters such as state-building, national elections, constitutional completion, and infrastructure development.

“The government of DanQaran places great importance on inclusive consultation. The perspectives shared by various political actors are not only welcomed—they are essential to Somalia’s path forward,” said the Prime Minister.

Puntland’s delegates in attendance—widely viewed as opponents of President Said Abdullahi Deni—praised the consultative initiative spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They voiced support for the Federal Government’s state-building agenda, positioning themselves as an alternative political voice from within Puntland.

Present at the dinner were Minister of Interior Ali Yussuf Hoosh, Federal Police Chief Gen. Asad Diyaano, and prominent opposition politician Hassan Shire Abgaal. All three are known critics of President Deni and have aligned with Villa Somalia’s recent efforts to isolate his administration ahead of contentious political and electoral negotiations.

The event underscored the widening rift between Garowe and Mogadishu, even as both sides maneuver to win political legitimacy and influence over Somalia’s evolving federal landscape.

WardheerNews