By Zamzam Daqare - Reporter
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GAROWE, 31 October 2026 — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has rejected Somalia's presidential election timetable for 15 May 2027 and called for an interim council to guide the country to elections, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of undermining the federal system.
In an interview with Puntland State TV, Deni said he did not see how Mohamud could organise elections based on broad political agreement, citing serious objections to the electoral commission and the constitutional framework.
"I do not currently see elections that Hassan Sheikh can organise. We have serious objections to both the commission and the constitution on which the process is based," he said.
Deni said Somalia's system of government, federal arrangements and foreign relations had suffered during Mohamud's four years in office. He accused the federal government of interfering in federal member states, pointing to developments in Gedo, Kismayo and Hirshabelle as examples.
He also warned of possible clashes between federal and state security forces, referring to reports of divisions within the national military, and said the withdrawal of peacekeeping troops from strategically important areas was adding to security concerns.
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"I call on Hassan Sheikh, for the sake of the people, the country and himself, to correct his course. The country should have an interim council that leads it to elections and continues working on security," Deni said.
The Puntland leader questioned the political dialogue proposed by Mohamud, accusing him of lacking genuine commitment to resolving disagreements, and called for broad consultations involving politicians, federal member states and different sections of society.
He said decisions about the country's future should not be limited to those currently holding public office, though he did not explain how the proposed interim council would be structured or selected.
His allegations against the federal government and the reports he cited concerning divisions within the security forces have not been independently verified.