Puntland calls for a surprising alliance to fight against Hassan Sheikh

Garoowe (Caasimada Online) – Puntland has called for cooperation to counter the Federal Government of Somalia led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing it of pursuing an electoral process that could jeopardize the unity of the country.

This call comes at a time when the political conflict between the Federal Government and Puntland, which strongly opposes the announced electoral process, is intensifying.

The Vice President of Puntland, Ilyas Osman Lugatoor, who is currently acting as president, made this call, specifically urging the people of Mogadishu to resist the Federal Government and to fight against it.

Lugatoor stated that fighting against the government led by Hassan Sheikh would bring reward and blessings, as he put it. This statement reflects the extent of the opposition from the Puntland administration against the political direction of the government and the electoral process it is pursuing.

Additionally, Lugatoor mentioned that if President Hassan Sheikh fails to hold an agreed-upon election, Puntland will take a separate decision regarding the current situation.

Puntland's position is emerging as opposition and political debates regarding the announced electoral schedule continue to escalate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission and Boundaries recently announced the schedule for parliamentary and presidential elections, a move that further heightened the ongoing political tension, as the opposition strongly opposed it.

According to the committee's schedule, the elections for both Houses of the Federal Parliament are set for April 15, 2027, while the presidential election is planned for May 15 of the same year.

However, Puntland and other opposing parties to this process argue that the country's elections should be based on a political agreement that all relevant parties are satisfied with. This dispute remains one of the major challenges facing the political process in Somalia.