By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Mudug, 26 August 2026 — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Tuesday visited the Dhinawda area of Mudug region and pledged administration action to address environmental and humanitarian challenges affecting local residents.
“Our first priority is to work on peace,” Deni said, citing conflict as one of the factors that had worsened conditions for communities in the area.
He said the administration would also work to address challenges affecting development, health and education.
Deni said Puntland would use its available resources to support residents and share the burden of the difficulties they face.
Dhinawda has in recent years faced shifting sand and drought, which have affected livelihoods and livestock. The area is coastal, where residents rely partly on livestock and fishing.
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Deni said the situation required joint efforts and prayed for rain, improved security and better conditions.
“I hope, God willing, that God will lift the difficult circumstances in which you are living,” Deni said.
Deni's visit also triggered a political dispute over the area's administrative affiliation, with Puntland and Galmudug both claiming the territory.
Fadumo Abdi Ali Faandhe, deputy speaker of the Galmudug parliament, and several Galmudug lawmakers opposed Deni's visit, saying Dhinawda belongs to Galmudug.
Deni's visit highlights the long-running dispute over Mudug, a region split between Puntland and Galmudug, where territorial claims have previously fuelled political tensions.
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