Somalia President Distances himself from Puntland’s claim of centralizing power

The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has distanced himself from Puntland state’s accusation of him advocating for a centralizing power in Somalia and said his administration has been promoting the federal system since his first election.

Elaborating on the kind of federalism he aims, He said that every party can forge its own path but the central government is responsible for everything that affects Somali citizens. President Hassan Sheikh noted his administration was not quarreling with any regional government but aimed to assist them in reaching their development goals.

Early this week, Somalia’s Puntland State leader, Saed Abdillahi made remarks accusing Hassan Sheikh of aiming to prioritize a centralized government in Somalia which later Puntland declared to govern itself as an independent state from the federal government until the federal constitution is completed and referendum is held.