GAROWE — Elders from Somalia’s Ogaden clan have accused Puntland leader Said Abdullahi Deni and members of his family of involvement in the transfer of Somali youths to Ethiopian authorities, allegations that have intensified debate over cross-border security cooperation and the treatment of detainees.
Speaking at a gathering attended by community representatives, the elders claimed that several young Somali men were handed over to Ethiopia without a transparent legal process. They called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the transfer and demanded public disclosure of the agreements and procedures that led to the move.
“The Somali people deserve to know what happened to these youths and under what legal authority they were transferred,” one elder said. “Any action involving Somali citizens must be carried out in accordance with the law and respect for human rights.”
The allegations come amid longstanding security cooperation between authorities in Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia, particularly in efforts to combat militant groups operating across the Horn of Africa. However, rights advocates have frequently raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the detention, extradition, or transfer of suspects between regional administrations and neighboring states.
The elders accused Deni and individuals close to him of facilitating the handover, though they did not publicly provide evidence supporting the claims. They urged Somalia’s federal government, lawmakers, and human rights organizations to investigate the matter and ensure accountability if any legal violations occurred.
The Puntland administration has not issued an official response to the accusations. Efforts to obtain comment from Puntland officials were not immediately successful.
The reported transfer has sparked criticism among some community leaders and activists, who argue that any extradition or security-related handover should be subject to judicial oversight and conducted in accordance with Somali and international law.
Analysts say the controversy highlights broader tensions over security cooperation in the Horn of Africa, where governments often face pressure to balance counterterrorism efforts with legal safeguards and human rights protections.
No independent confirmation of the allegations has been made, and the details surrounding the identities of the youths, the reasons for their transfer, and the legal framework governing the move remain unclear.
