Mogadishu – Puntland authorities have suspended a regional government official following his public praise for Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, highlighting growing tensions between the semi-autonomous region and the federal government.
The Puntland Ministry of Livestock confirmed the suspension of Rage Ahmed Eiro, a ministry official (internal auditor), who recited a poem praising the president during celebrations marking the anniversary of the Somali Police Force on Sunday.
According to a statement from the office of Puntland’s Minister of Livestock, Omar Abdisamad Yusuf, Mr Eiro has been relieved of his duties and his salary has been terminated.
The ministry stated that the disciplinary action was taken because Puntland has officially suspended cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, and Mr Eiro’s comments were considered a violation of this decision.
Tensions between Puntland and the federal government have been ongoing for nearly two years, primarily stemming from disagreements about the electoral process and constitutional amendments. The conflict has also involved opposition presidential candidates under the Somali Salvation Forum, as well as the southern state of Jubaland.
Puntland has accused the federal government of weakening the country’s federal system, while authorities in Mogadishu have dismissed these claims, maintaining that constitutional reforms are essential to enhance national governance.
