Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni Engages UAE Leaders as Tensions Rise with Federal Government
Said Abdullahi Deni, the President of Puntland, is holding sensitive talks in Abu Dhabi amid escalating diplomatic and security tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Arab Emirates.
President Deni arrived in Abu Dhabi two days ago after completing a three-day visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he held separate consultations.
The visit comes at a critical moment, following the Federal Government’s announcement that it has annulled military cooperation agreements with the UAE. The decision has significantly strained relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi.
Puntland authorities have strongly rejected the federal move, describing it as unconstitutional and inconsistent with Somalia’s federal system.
In an official statement, Puntland said the Federal Council of Ministers does not have the authority to unilaterally cancel agreements operating within a federal member state without consultation.
Officials in Puntland argue that continued UAE security cooperation in parts of Somalia—despite the federal government cutting ties—could deal a serious political and strategic blow to the central government, further complicating the already fragile federal–state relationship.
About the Author
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
