Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has returned to Garowe after spending 41 days outside the region, ending a lengthy foreign trip that took him to Kenya, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates as Somalia faces growing political disagreements over elections and constitutional changes.
Deni arrived in the Puntland capital on Friday, October 23, after being away from September 12. However, the Puntland presidency had not provided a detailed public explanation of the trip by the time local media reported his return, leaving questions about the purpose of his extended absence.
His return comes at a sensitive moment in Somali politics, with Puntland among the administrations opposed to aspects of the Federal Government’s proposed electoral process. The dispute centres on the country’s political direction, constitutional questions and the proposed introduction of direct elections, under which citizens would vote for their representatives.
What did Deni do during his 41 days abroad?
Deni’s journey took him to Kenya, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, according to reports by Horseed Media and Puntland Post. However, neither report provided a comprehensive account of his itinerary or the outcomes of his engagements abroad. Puntland Post also reported that he had returned to Garowe after 41 days away.
The lack of a detailed public account leaves important questions unanswered, including the full purpose of the trip and whether any agreements or decisions resulted from his engagements.
His return has therefore drawn attention not only because of the length of his absence, but also because of the political developments awaiting him at home.
Election dispute awaits Puntland leader
Somalia continues to face disagreements over the Federal Government’s proposed electoral arrangements and constitutional changes. The federal authorities have announced plans for direct, one-person-one-vote elections, while several political stakeholders have opposed the proposed approach.
Puntland has been a key player in the wider political dispute, and Deni’s return comes as discussions over the country’s electoral future remain unresolved.
Reports have also indicated that Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, are expected to meet in Garowe to discuss Somalia’s political situation and the federal election process. The outcome of any such meeting had not been established in the reports available at the time of writing. Puntland Post
Any engagement between the two regional leaders could bring further attention to the position of federal member states in the ongoing electoral discussions. However, the details and timing of the anticipated meeting remain subject to official confirmation.
The president is expected to return to official duties with the opening of a session of the Puntland House of Representatives in Garowe.
Horseed Media reported that Deni was expected to open the session on October 25, while Puntland Post reported that he was scheduled to open the parliament’s 59th session on October 26. The differing dates had not been reconciled in the reports.