MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Members of Parliament representing Puntland in the Somali Federal Parliament have strongly criticized the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing it of using development projects as political leverage to punish the people of Puntland.
The MPs allege that the federal government has been obstructing vital aid and development initiatives in the region, severely impacting local communities.
In their statement, the Puntland MPs called for an immediate end to what they described as the “politically motivated obstruction” of aid and development projects.
“We call upon the federal government to immediately release all development projects and international aid, including those related to infrastructure, education, health, water, electricity, and fisheries,” the MPs urged.
The MPs highlighted that the ongoing political disagreement between Puntland’s leadership and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has taken a significant toll on the people of Puntland.
Puntland, a region known for its relative stability within Somalia, recently held a democratic election, further underscoring its commitment to governance and progress.
However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was accused of attempting to derail Puntland’s democratic elections by trying to install a favored candidate which led to deadly violence in May 2023.
Since 2022, all development projects in Puntland have been severely impacted by these ongoing disputes, the MPs noted.
In their statement, the MPs further emphasized that “the obstruction of these projects not only hinders the progress of Puntland but also jeopardizes the overall stability and development of Somalia.”
They stressed the importance of resuming these projects to ensure that Puntland can continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.
The MPs’ accusations add to the growing tension between Puntland and the Somali federal government, raising concerns about the future of development efforts in one of Somalia’s most stable regions.
The international community’s response to these allegations, as well as the federal government’s actions, will be critical in determining the next steps in this escalating situation.