File/Photographer Somali Times
The governor of Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni has been added as a new member of the Somalia Petroleum Agency, to convince him to leave the opposition in Somalia’s oil deals.
Information obtained by Somali Times states that the member is Abdullahi Said Abdullahi Deni, who is Deni’s son, after Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia reached an agreement on the dispute over oil issues.
The Deni administration announced on July 5, 2021 that it does not fully recognize the Somali Petroleum Authority, and opposes the oil activities of the federal government.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
Suddenly, Puntland withdrew from that decision on October 25 and supported the oil production sharing agreement signed by the federal government and the Coastline Exploration company.
The governor of Puntland Said Abdullahi Deni, who made a speech at the opening of the 51st session of the parliament, said that Puntland welcomes the utilization of Somalia’s resources and is ready to participate in the utilization of these resources.
“The Puntland government welcomes the exploitation of Somalia’s resources, therefore Puntland is ready to participate in the exploitation of natural resources,” said President Deni.
Read: Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh history of corruption 2012-2017
The information received by Somali Times says that Hassan Sheikh convinced Deni to add a member to the Somali Petroleum Agency, and after that the conflict between the federal government and Puntland was resolved.
The Federal Government of Somalia approved on October 21 the controversial agreement between Somalia and the Coastline Exploration Company, which was previously rejected by the government of President Farmajo.
The agreement signed by the former corrupt Minister of Petroleum, Abdirashid Mohamed Ahmed, was rejected by President Farmajo and Prime Minister Roble, but the Coastline Exploration Company insisted that it is legal and cannot be withdrawn.