Friday July 3, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke said he does not believe Puntland will declare itself independent, arguing that the current political tensions require dialogue and consensus.
In an interview this week, Omar Abdirashid said Puntland’s grievances with the Federal Government of Somalia should be addressed through political engagement rather than confrontation.
“When politicians fail to solve existing problems, it happens that the public is distracted by sensitive political debates,” he said.
The former prime minister said Puntland’s complaints against the federal government are worth discussing, but he does not believe they will lead to unilateral action.
He also noted that Puntland had previously issued orders limiting cooperation between its ministries and federal government agencies, saying those restrictions affected the implementation of projects that required joint coordination.
Omar Abdirashid said he does not believe the people of Puntland would support a move to declare independence, describing the Puntland community as deeply aware of Somalia’s political circumstances.
“Consultation is important,” he said. “If the federal government avoids dialogue with Puntland, it is reducing the scope of its political influence and power.”
Omar Abdirashid, who has served twice as Somalia’s prime minister underscored that he is running for president of Somalia.
His remarks come amid worsening tensions between Mogadishu and Garowe.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday denied allegations that the federal government is fueling unrest in Puntland, saying relations between the two sides are currently at a standstill.
Speaking in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said there is no active cooperation between federal ministries and Puntland authorities. He rejected claims that the federal government is organizing unrest or armed activity in Puntland.
Earlier this week, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni accused the federal government of interfering in Puntland’s affairs and taking steps he said undermine Somalia’s federal system.
The dispute has raised concern among political leaders and elders, who have called for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent the tensions from turning into armed confrontation.
