The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, will participate in the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) summit, scheduled to take place in Mogadishu next month.
A senior official within the federal government disclosed that President Deni has received an official invitation and that preparations for his attendance are currently underway.
The meeting, convened by the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is intended to bring together leaders from the federal and regional administrations. The agenda includes resolving political disputes, strengthening national unity, and reinforcing the collective fight against extremist groups such as ISIS and Al-Shabaab.
Reliable sources have revealed that the international community played a key role in facilitating President Deni’s return to the consultative process. Diplomats reportedly met with Deni multiple times in Garowe and Bosaso, emphasizing the importance of Puntland’s re-engagement in national dialogue.
President Deni has been absent from NCC meetings since December 2022, following a deterioration in relations between Puntland and the federal government. The rift led to a breakdown in communication and cooperation due to unresolved political disagreements.
The upcoming meeting is expected to focus on critical national matters, including electoral reforms, power-sharing arrangements, and coordinated security efforts. The overarching goal is to revive inclusive dialogue and rebuild national cohesion.
All regional state leaders are expected to attend the summit—except Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe. The federal government has withheld his invitation, citing his controversial re-election in Kismayo.
Federal Minister of Security, General Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag, stated that Madobe’s election was unconstitutional and did not follow due legal procedures, labeling it “illegitimate”.
