By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Garowe – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration of fuelling piracy off Puntland coast.
Deni said during the opening the 58th session of the Puntland House of Representatives that President Mohamud had “deliberately created pirates” along Somalia’s coastline, particularly in Puntland for short-term political interests.
“He deliberately created pirates along the coast of Somalia, especially in Puntland,” Deni said.
The Puntland President stated that the recent incidents of ship hijackings along the Puntland coastline this year demonstrate the growing threat to Somalia’s maritime security.
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In 2026, there has been a notable increase in attacks and hijackings carried out by pirate groups. International reports indicate that at least three commercial vessels have been hijacked off the Somali coast since April, including oil tankers and other cargo ships. Maritime security agencies warn that these incidents indicate a renewed piracy threat in waters once notorious for such activity.
The oil tanker MT Honour 25 was hijacked on April 21 near the Puntland coastline, and days later the cargo vessel Sward was also seized, raising concerns over maritime security in the Horn of Africa.
Deni's remarks come amid a low point in Mogadishu-Puntland ties, after Puntland announced it cut ties with the federal government.