Bosaso (WDN)– Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has formally rejected an invitation to attend a state-level forum organized by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, citing a lack of clarity and inclusiveness in the agenda.

President Deni made the announcement during a luncheon with Puntland Parliament members in Bosaso, where he criticized Villa Somalia for organizing what he described as a “non-inclusive and directionless” meeting under the guise of national consultation.

“There is no transparency in what is being proposed,” Deni reportedly told MPs during the gathering. “We cannot endorse an event that avoids the real issues—constitutional reform, fair elections, and the rights of federal member states.”

Sources close to the presidency confirm that Deni remains firm in his stance that any genuine dialogue must address Somalia’s longstanding political disagreements and the marginalization of federal member states in national decision-making.

Puntland Lawmakers Back the President

Lawmakers in attendance voiced strong support for President Deni’s decision, accusing Villa Somalia of exploiting national summits to push a centralized agenda without meaningful consultation.

“This so-called forum is not what Somalia needs right now,” said MP Abdinasir Yusuf, a prominent member of Puntland’s House of Representatives. “We expected a serious political dialogue—what we got was a one-sided declaration about counterterrorism without any political reconciliation framework.”

MP Hodan Abshir, another member of the regional parliament, echoed those sentiments. “Terrorism is a national threat, yes, but it should not be used as a cover to avoid constitutional accountability. Puntland has made its position clear: we want a federal Somalia based on fairness and mutual respect.”

Others described the move by Villa Somalia as an attempt to distract from growing criticism over the concentration of power in Mogadishu and the controversial constitutional amendments passed without consensus.

“The federal government has repeatedly bypassed the voices of federal member states,” said MP Mohamed Guleid. “Puntland will not legitimize any process that excludes dialogue on power-sharing, elections, and the rule of law.”

Summit Rebranded as Counterterrorism, Not Political Reconciliation

President Hassan Sheikh’s office announced earlier this week that the summit would focus on uniting national efforts against terrorism, drawing confusion among observers who had anticipated a long-awaited political reconciliation conference.

Analysts suggest that by shifting the narrative toward security, Villa Somalia may be attempting to avoid direct engagement on contentious political reforms and disputes over donor fund allocation.

“The absence of Puntland sends a strong message,” said Nairobi-based political analyst Fadumo Ibrahim. “The federal government is struggling to bring key stakeholders to the table. This is a reflection of a deeper governance crisis.”

President Deni’s move is likely to embolden other federal states—such as Jubaland and SSC-Khatumo—who have also raised concerns about exclusionary governance and the erosion of federalism.

WardheerNews