Qardho (WDN)– Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has issued a sharp rebuke to both the SSC-Khatumo administration and the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing them of fueling political instability in the contested Sanaag region.

Speaking on Sunday during a military graduation ceremony in Qardho, President Deni addressed units of the Puntland Defense Forces and used the occasion to sound a warning over what he described as “unacceptable interference” in Puntland-administered areas.

“There is a dangerous political campaign being waged in Sanaag, orchestrated by individuals aligned with Villa Somalia,” said Deni. “This is a direct attack on the unity and existence of Puntland.”

The president specifically singled out political figures affiliated with the federal government, alleging they were mobilizing gatherings in Sanaag to weaken Puntland’s authority and push the region toward alignment with the recently declared SSC-Khatumo administration.

Deni directed a stern message at SSC-Khatumo leaders, reminding them that Sanaag and Haylaan had long chosen to be part of Puntland and would remain so.

“SSC-Khatumo was once given the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “But if they are now seeking to carve out a separate administration, they must stay within their bounds. If they overreach, the situation will escalate. Stop the interference now.”

The president also issued a direct warning to federal leaders in Mogadishu, especially those originally from Sanaag who currently hold positions within the federal government.

“It is unfortunate that some federal officials from Sanaag are working to destabilize Puntland,” he said. “If they serve the federal government, let them do so within the law. Puntland will not tolerate political provocations disguised as federal authority.”

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions between Puntland and the central government in Mogadishu. Puntland has increasingly distanced itself from federal initiatives, accusing the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of undermining federalism and violating constitutional boundaries.

With political actors in the contested regions of Sanaag and Haylaan aligning themselves along shifting allegiances, the warning from President Deni underscores the risk of a broader confrontation between Puntland and federal-backed actors.

Observers say the latest developments could complicate fragile efforts to hold National Consultative Council talks and stall broader federal-state reconciliation efforts.

WardheerNews