File Photo Somali Times/warlord Said Deni
Somalia top politicians call for warlord Said Deni to resign, call for emergency meeting
Politicians from Puntland, including former Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid, have convened a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, today, calling on governor Deni and Puntland intellectuals to convene an emergency meeting.
These politicians have accused Puntland governor Said Deni of undermining Puntland’s role in state-building in Somalia. A statement issued at a conference in Nairobi today called on governor Deni to resign as governor of Puntland, in order to save the existence of the administration.
Former Somali Minister of Petroleum Mohamed Ibrahim, who read out a statement from the conference to the media, said Puntland was at a point of doubt as to how long it could last.
“The governor has announced that he is running for the presidency of the federal government, despite his neglect,” he said. He said governor Deni was being called upon to step down, saying there is no room for complacency.
“It will not be possible for you. I will stay in Puntland and I will go to the federal government to say; We suggest that you hand over the post with dignity and to the right person who is constitutionally allowed,” said former minister Mohamed Ibrahim, who read the statement.
It is stated in the statement that Said Deni will leave Puntland a legacy of a problem beyond the presidency.
Politicians meeting in Nairobi today called on Puntland leaders and intellectuals to convene an emergency meeting to discuss two issues:
1. Puntland’s role in state-building in Somalia, which it has been leading but is now losing.
2. Loss of trust among the communities living in Puntland.
“Therefore, we call on the intelligentsia to convene an emergency meeting, to restore the trust of the communities,” said Mohamed Ibrahim.