Garowe/Mogadishu (WDN)- Puntland’s political landscape is showing signs of division as parties respond differently to the National Consultative Conference in Mogadishu. While some have openly rejected the forum’s legitimacy, others have used the platform to voice the broader opposition’s stance, calling for genuine federal dialogue and inclusive decision-making. The split highlights growing divisions between Puntland’s internal political actors.

The Mideeye political party, once a unified voice in Puntland’s political landscape, has fractured into two rival factions following a sharp internal dispute over the party’s stance toward the federal government in Mogadishu.

The split pits a pro-Deni faction, led by former minister Abshir Omar Huruse, against members of the party’s central council who have aligned themselves with Villa Somalia. The divide emerged as political tensions between Puntland and the federal government continue to escalate over key national issues, including electoral reforms.

In a statement issued on Monday, Huruse’s faction declared that it is not participating in the National Consultative Conference currently underway in Mogadishu. The conference, organized by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration, is aimed at advancing the contentious “one person, one vote” electoral process.

“The Mideeye Political Party, in line with its constitution and political regulations, and operating within Puntland’s legal framework, announces that it is not part of the so-called national consultative dialogue taking place in Mogadishu,” the statement read.

In contrast, several central council members from the party have chosen to attend the Mogadishu meetings, aligning themselves with the federal government’s agenda. Their participation underscores growing divisions within Mideeye, and reflects broader political disagreements over the federal electoral framework and the balance of power between Somalia’s center and regions.

On the other hand, the Chairman of the Ifiye Party Mohamed Hassan, delivered remarks during the ongoing National Consultative Conference in Mogadishu, highlighting the reasons behind his participation and emphasizing the importance of representing the opposition’s voice.

“Our purpose in attending this consultative forum is to contribute ideas on national matters. If the public has already heard Said Deni’s viewpoint, it is equally important that they listen to the perspective of the Puntland opposition, so we can reach mutual understanding and national unity,” said Chairman Hassan.

He noted that Puntland, as part of the Somali nation, is proud to participate in the dialogue and intends to present its contributions through the lens of the opposition.

“We want Puntland and the Somali public at large to hear what the opposition parties have to say on national issues,” he added.

Chairman Hassan also underlined the Ifiye Party’s experience with elections, expressing readiness to share lessons learned from Puntland’s electoral processes with the other political organizations attending the conference.

“As a party that has participated in electoral processes, we’re pleased to share our experiences with our fellow political groups present at this gathering,” he concluded.The split within Puntland’s political Parties over Mogadishu’s Consultative Conference marks another flashpoint in Somalia’s evolving political crisis, where federalism and trust between regional and central leaders remain highly contested.

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