Bosaso (WDN) – The port city of Bosaso has emerged as the center of an increasingly significant political movement, drawing national attention at a time when Somalia remains mired in electoral uncertainty and deep political divisions.

Recently, there has been a growing criticism against the administration of President Said Abdullahi as a number of prominent Puntland elders, and community figures accuse the government of failing to address the worsening economic crisis, widespread corruption, and deepening governance challenges facing the region.

The rising unemployment, increasing living costs, and weak public service delivery have fueled frustration among residents, while allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability continue to erode public confidence in the administration. The concerns come at a time when Puntland is facing growing social and economic pressures, that continued inaction could further undermine political stability and public trust in state institutions.

Among those expressing concern are prominent political figures from the Bari region, including former members of parliament, former ministers, and influential community leaders, who have gathered in Bosaso in recent days. The group has been engaged in a series of consultations and meetings with traditional elders, business leaders, intellectuals, youth representatives, and members of civil society to discuss the growing political, economic, and governance challenges facing Puntland.

Far from being routine political gatherings, these meetings reflect growing frustration over what many in Bari regard as unresolved grievances stemming from Somalia’s 2022 indirect elections. A significant number of politicians and community leaders from the region continue to argue that most parliamentary seats allocated to Bari were manipulated through political deals and electoral interference by the current President Said, depriving local communities of genuine representation in the Federal Parliament.

Those allegations left a lasting sense of political disenfranchisement across the region. Many residents believe that Bari, despite being Puntland’s economic engine and home to the strategic port of Bosaso, has not received political influence proportional to its economic importance and contribution to national development.

The current political mobilization appears to be driven by a determination to ensure that what many describe as the mistakes of 2022 are not repeated. Organizers are calling for a more transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of local communities rather than political bargaining among elites.

At the heart of the discussions is a broader effort to forge a unified political position for the region. Political leaders are seeking to build consensus among elders, business communities, youth organizations, academics, and civic groups in order to strengthen Bari’s collective voice ahead of crucial national political decisions.

The timing is also significant. Somalia remains without a broadly accepted agreement on the nature of its next electoral process, while disputes between political stakeholders continue to deepen. This uncertainty has prompted political actors across the country to begin positioning themselves for what could become a decisive phase in Somalia’s political transition.

As a result, Bosaso is increasingly becoming more than just a commercial hub. It is evolving into a focal point for discussions about political representation, electoral justice, federalism, and the future distribution of power within Somalia.

Participants in the ongoing consultations argue that parliamentary seats should not be determined by political patronage, private agreements, or external influence. Instead, they insist that representation must be rooted in the genuine aspirations and interests of the people.

The message emerging from Bosaso is clear: many in Bari are demanding a political process that is transparent, accountable, and broadly accepted by the public. They want stronger safeguards against electoral manipulation and greater public participation in decisions that shape the region’s political future.

As Somalia moves toward another uncertain political chapter, the mobilization underway in Bosaso signals a growing determination among Bari’s political and community leaders to ensure that the region’s voice is heard—and that its political influence is neither overlooked nor negotiated away behind closed doors.

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