JidbaaleMogadishu (Jidbaalenews): Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has disputed reports that the federal government has placed sanctions on the Puntland administration despite a lengthy two-year political conflict between the two sides.
Prime Minister Barre accused Puntland officials of impeding federal projects in the area and refusing to enable the federal government to supervise the execution of development programs.
He lambasted the Puntland government for obstructing collaboration between regional and federal authorities, which he claimed is vital for ensuring the proper delivery of foreign programs to the people.
“The Puntland government is misleading its people and creating confusion to divert them from the real issues,” Barre stated. He underlined the necessity of enabling the people of Puntland access to the development projects they are entitled to, underscoring that federal control is vital for accountability and transparency.
Last Monday, Deputy Minister of Finance Abdiqafar Elmi Hange stated that the federal government had given $6 million to Puntland. However, Puntland’s State Minister of Information, Mohamud Eidid Dirir, stated that the funds came from the World Bank after a request for budget assistance and were unrelated to federal government funding.
Tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have grown since Deni’s failed campaign for the Somali Prime Ministership, adding to the present standoff.
