Cawad responds remarkably to Saciid Deni's speech

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, Ahmed Issa Awad, who issued a press release, remarkably reacted to the speech delivered yesterday by President Said Abdullahi Deni in the Puntland Parliament, where he discussed sensitive issues regarding the situation of that administration and the overall situation in Somalia.

Awad, who was among the candidates who previously contested against Said Deni, revealed that his speech lacked reliable information, presenting important points and matters he claimed were expected, but were omitted by the President.

The former Minister of Foreign Affairs titled his report “Assessment of the Speech by President Said Abdullahi Deni Delivered at the 59th Session of the Puntland House of Representatives, today being 25 October 2026.”

President Deni stated in his speech that he was reporting on the situation in Puntland and the overall situation in Somalia. Therefore, a report based on reliable data collection regarding the economic, social, political, and security situation in Puntland was anticipated.

This expectation was one that was hoped for. The speech was lacking in reliable information. To confirm this, let us examine what the President told us and what he did not tell us.

He informed us that among other things, for example:

Puntland has achieved significant progress.

A large number of soldiers have been recruited and trained.

Forces organized by HSM have been removed from the area.

Carrying weapons has been prohibited and there is broad security.

Piracy has been eradicated.

Many roads have been constructed, such as those in Garoowe. Others are under construction, such as the one connecting Gaalkacyo and Xaraf, and the one in Ceel Daahir.

Employees are being paid their salaries.

Conflicts among certain clans have been resolved.

He visited Mudug, Bari, and Raas Casayr, and their grievances have been addressed, while others are being monitored.

He will not make any future decisions regarding the governance of Puntland without consulting the people.

HSM has endangered the governance of Somalia.

The Somali people are concerned about the threat HSM poses to Somalia.

What he did not tell us:

Puntland is experiencing its worst economic situation since its establishment (as told to me by Puntland businessmen).

2. The number of soldiers recruited and trained.

In the forces he claims some were killed, and some were reconciled were forces whose existence preceded both his administration and that of HSM. HSM previously had a conflict between Boosaaso and Garoowe. The reason for the current attack is political and not security-related.

That the decisions to prohibit arms are a political suppression and not a matter of upholding the law and security. Many people from Puntland have died as a result in Boosaaso, Qardho, and Gaalkacyo.

That in the fight against piracy, people who are not pirates were killed.

That the roads in Garoowe were built with funds from the World Bank over the past 10 years and $1 is charged to the people of Garoowe. The road to Ceel-Daahir was initiated during the administration of Cabdiweli Gaas, and the funds for its construction are collected from the transportation of the people of Puntland.

That the military and civilian staff do not receive their salaries regularly.

That the lack of trust among the clans in Puntland is at its lowest point as the recent conflict in Qardho shows.

The results of his trips to the Emirates and Kenya.

That Puntland is isolated from the rest of Somalia and that he played a significant role in the election of HSM.

Finally, President Deni's speech includes three important points, with good hope if he works seriously on their implementation. The three points are:

His administration is consulting with the people of Puntland on matters crucial to the future of Puntland.

That HSM poses a threat to the statehood of Somalia. To genuinely collaborate in preventing it.

That the Somali people come together for consultations on how to prevent the threat HSM poses to the statehood of Somalia – and if necessary, Puntland will host it.