Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) — Mohamed Muse Ali, Chairman of the Barwaaqo political party in Puntland, has accused Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni of obstructing more than $16 million in essential development funds. The allegations were made during an exclusive interview with Dawan Africa at the concluded National Dialogue Conference in Mogadishu — a key national platform that President Deni has notably chosen to boycott.
According to Muse Ali, President Deni’s administration has deliberately blocked or diverted critical funds that were allocated for Puntland’s development, including $6.2 million earmarked for infrastructure and public service projects, and an additional $10 million that was allegedly transferred into a private account without public accountability.
“One of the most alarming issues we’re facing is the deliberate obstruction of projects that could transform Puntland’s economy,” Muse Ali told Dawan Africa. “We’ve seen $6.2 million in project funds frozen, and $10 million moved into a private account — with no tangible benefit to our people.”
The remarks come amid rising political tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia. President Deni’s absence from the National Dialogue Conference has drawn criticism from political actors who view the platform as critical to resolving national disputes over power-sharing, federalism, and resource management.
Mohamed Muse Ali stressed that the people of Puntland are the ones paying the price for the political standoff. He argued that development funds and national programs are being politicized, denying the region urgent investment in jobs, infrastructure, and services.
His concerns were echoed by Somalia’s Deputy Finance Minister, Abdiqafar Hange, who recently disclosed that Puntland has only agreed to implement 7 out of 24 federally funded development projects.
“All other federal member states are moving forward. Puntland is the only one lagging — and not due to lack of opportunity, but by political choice,” Hange said.
In defense, President Deni has claimed that many of the projects were negotiated behind closed doors in Mogadishu and Nairobi, and contain irregularities that his administration cannot accept.
“We reject projects designed in secrecy, with corruption at their core. We will not take part in any development that brings disgrace to our region,” Deni stated previously.
The accusations from Barwaaqo’s leadership are expected to heighten the already growing rift between Puntland and the central government. With Somalia’s political landscape shifting rapidly ahead of future electoral cycles, pressure is mounting on all sides to prioritize transparency, service delivery, and national unity.
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