Former Somalia Presidents Unsuccessful in Mediating Between President Hassan Sheikh and Puntland State Leader Saed Deni

Former Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo of Somalia disclosed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has rebuffed their attempts to facilitate dialogue between him and Puntland State Leader Said Abdullahi Deni regarding constitutional amendments.

In a press release, Farmaajo and Sharif conveyed their agreement with President Hassan to temporarily halt ongoing discussions on constitutional amendments for a two-week period, aiming to provide space for constructive dialogue.

Former Somalia President Farmaajo, in a Facebook post, acknowledged the apparent failure of their voluntary mediation efforts due to the absence of any response from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The former Presidents endeavored to resolve the protracted political discord between the Federal Government President and Puntland State Leader Deni, a dispute stemming from President Hassan Sheikh’s election in May 2022.

Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, and Saed Deni adamantly opposed the current parliamentary deliberations and initiatives concerning amendments to the initial four chapters of the Provisional Constitution this week.

President Hassan Sheikh affirmed his support for the ongoing parliamentary debates on amending Somalia’s constitution, stressing that any alterations to the constitution would only be implemented with the inauguration of the succeeding government.