Tuesday, June 24, 2025 — HAN
The Speaker of Somalia’s Puntland House of Representatives, Abdirisak Ahmed Said, has issued a strong warning to Somaliland and certain politicians from the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. His remarks came during a recent visit to the town of Dhahar.
Speaker Abdirisak expressed concern over what he described as political movements aimed at destabilizing Puntland, allegedly led by politicians originating from Sanaag and Haylaan. He accused these individuals of spearheading plans backed by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to create unrest in the region.
He emphasized that the area belongs to the people of Puntland, who have contributed to its development since the establishment of the Puntland State in 1998. He urged local communities not to listen to individuals pursuing personal political ambitions at the expense of regional stability.
“You will soon hear more messages claiming that a new administration is being formed,” he said. “But this land is part of Puntland, and it has been so since 1998. The Khatumo issue is separate and has its own political platform. This land belongs to Puntland—Somaliland has no place here. We previously rejected all misinformation and efforts to divide the land. This region voted peacefully, and that decision stands.”
Speaker Abdirisak’s comments reflect growing tension over territorial claims and political rivalries in the contested regions of northern Somalia.
There has been a longstanding territorial dispute between the administrations of Somaliland and Puntland, with each side claiming authority over the contested areas. This land conflict has continued for a long time, and no lasting resolution has been reached so far.
