Urgent Appeal from Puntland State to International Partners

In a critical and heartfelt appeal, H.E. Said Abdullahi Deni, President of Puntland State of Somalia, has addressed an urgent letter to numerous international entities, including countries, unions, and financial institutions. The letter, dated June 9, 2024, highlights growing concerns over Mogadishu's increasing politicization of donor assistance and grant budgetary support, urging a fair and equitable distribution of humanitarian, development, and budgetary support.

Politicization of Aid

President Deni expresses deep concern over Mogadishu’s handling of donor assistance, which he claims is being used for politically motivated agendas. This trend, according to Deni, undermines the core purpose of development aid, which is to improve the lives of citizens and foster sustainable progress, rather than advancing narrow political interests.

He points out that since his re-election, there has been a troubling pattern of politicization affecting Puntland State’s earmarked projects, programs, and budgetary support for the past 18 months. Despite bringing this issue to the attention of multilateral development banks and the donor community multiple times, the situation persists. This misuse of aid resources, Deni argues, is detrimental to the effective governance and fiscal responsibility that Puntland is committed to upholding.

Efforts and Challenges

The letter details the Puntland government’s significant efforts to engage constructively with multilateral development banks, donors, and Mogadishu to resolve outstanding technical issues. Unfortunately, these efforts have been met with limited success. Mogadishu has initiated a campaign of disinformation and misinformation, portraying Puntland as inflexible and unwilling to collaborate. The reality, Deni asserts, is that Mogadishu’s true goal appears to be the destabilization of Puntland State.

Call for Inclusive Process

President Deni emphasizes the importance of an inclusive process involving foreign aid, trade, treaties, natural resources, and other major issues affecting the interests of the Federal Member States (FMS), including Puntland, as stipulated in Article 53 of the federal constitution (2012). He highlights Somalia’s political instability, weak institutions, security challenges, and lack of national agreement on key issues as significant obstacles to effective governance.

Appeal for Direct Aid

Given the critical situation, President Deni appeals to bilateral and multilateral partners to recognize the gravity of the situation and support Puntland in receiving necessary donor assistance and grant budgetary support, free from Mogadishu’s politicization. He proposes establishing an alternative mechanism enabling multilateral development banks to provide direct aid and support to Puntland.

Vision for a United Somalia

Deni concludes by reaffirming Puntland’s commitment to being a reliable and responsible partner in Somalia, dedicated to inclusivity, fairness, and equitable development. He calls on international partners to support efforts to build a more prosperous Puntland State and Somalia. He urges them to use their influence to safeguard democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace throughout Somalia.

Conclusion

This urgent appeal from President Deni underscores the complex and challenging political landscape in Somalia. It highlights the need for transparent and fair distribution of international aid, free from political manipulation, to foster genuine development and stability in the region. The international community's support is crucial in addressing these pressing issues and ensuring a brighter future for Puntland and Somalia as a whole.