Bosaso, Somalia — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Tuesday received United Nations Special Representative and head of the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), James Swan, for high-level discussions in Bosaso city, the commercial hub of Puntland State.
According to a statement from Puntland’s presidency, the talks were “wide-ranging,” focusing on the Federal Member State’s security situation, humanitarian and development priorities, and Puntland’s relations with Somalia’s Federal Government.
The meeting comes at a critical moment for Somalia, as the African Union peacekeeping mission prepares to transition into a new, smaller stabilization force under AUSSOM, and security responsibilities increasingly shift to the Somali National Army and state-level forces. Puntland, which has faced intermittent threats from Al-Shabaab and ISIS-linked militants in the Bari mountains, remains a key frontline in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.
Humanitarian needs were also on the agenda. Puntland has been impacted by recurring droughts, displacement, and economic strain, prompting renewed appeals for international support. UN agencies continue to play a vital role in providing aid and supporting resilience programs in the region.
The discussions further touched on Puntland’s often tense relations with the Federal Government in Mogadishu. President Deni has previously voiced concerns over what he sees as a centralization of power by the federal authorities, stressing the need for genuine federalism and respect for state-level autonomy. Swan, who has frequently engaged with both federal and state leaders, underscored the UN’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation.
No additional details were released on specific agreements, but both sides described the meeting as constructive. The visit underscores the UN’s ongoing engagement with Somalia’s Federal Member States as the country navigates political, security, and humanitarian challenges in 2025.