Puntland President Deni Holds Talks with Mudug Elders in Galkayo

GALKAYO — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has held a meeting with traditional elders and community leaders from the Mudug region at the Presidential Palace in Galkayo, as part of efforts to strengthen security, accelerate development projects, and address local concerns.

The meeting, held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, focused on the general situation in the Mudug region, particularly security and development. Key projects discussed included the completion of the road linking Galkayo and Garowe, and the upcoming water supply project for Galkayo city. President Deni emphasised the importance of strengthening security and stability, and accelerating development projects that benefit the communities of the Mudug region.

Concerns Over Traditional Elders’ Role and Representation

However, the meeting has drawn criticism from some quarters. Former National Security Advisor Abdisaid Muse Ali, in a social media post on August 9, 2026, questioned the representation of traditional elders in the meeting. He noted that if the purpose was to engage with the elders of the Mudug region, they would have been expected to be seated in the front row, suggesting that the seating arrangement reflected a lack of genuine engagement with traditional leaders.

“I would say that traditional elders should be given an active and visible role in community affairs and decisions affecting the people of Puntland. Their contributions outweigh their shortcomings. We live in a modern world where progress has been achieved in all areas, and everyone has a role to play,” Ali wrote.

The meeting followed previous engagements between President Deni and community leaders, with a focus on addressing the political and security challenges facing the region. The involvement of traditional elders has been a central feature of conflict resolution and governance in Somalia, with the United Nations training elders on clan mediation processes to strengthen stability and cohesion.

The criticism over the seating arrangement and the role of elders in the meeting highlights ongoing tensions between the Puntland administration and traditional leaders. Some elders have expressed concerns about being marginalised in decision-making processes, while the government has emphasised the importance of security and development priorities.

Background: Galkayo, Mudug, and Puntland’s Development Agenda

Galkayo, the administrative capital of the Mudug region, is divided between Puntland in the north and Galmudug in the south, with the two administrations sharing responsibility for security and governance. The city has witnessed cycles of deadly conflict between clan militias from both sides over the decades, but recent peace agreements and security cooperation had significantly reduced hostilities in recent years.

President Deni’s visit to Galkayo follows recent clashes in the city between Puntland forces and federal-aligned units. Puntland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of arming militias to destabilise the region, warning that the Federal Government was seeking to create instability in the Mudug region and undermine Puntland’s authority.

Tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government have been escalating for months, with Puntland sending additional troops to major cities and barring federal-linked troops from moving through its territory. The Mudug region has been a focal point of these tensions, with Galkayo serving as a flashpoint for rival claims and military deployments.

President Deni has accused President Mohamud of breaking the country apart, while Puntland has barred federal-linked troops from moving through its territory and accused Mogadishu of seeking to use federal forces to weaken security inside the region.

President Deni’s meeting with the elders also comes amid ongoing efforts by Puntland to assert its authority over security institutions in contested areas. Puntland has accused the Federal Government of destabilization efforts, warning that policies backed by allies of the president threaten to fracture Somalia regionally.

Critical Note

The meeting between President Deni and the Mudug elders reflects the ongoing challenges of governance in Somalia’s federal states, particularly in contested areas like Galkayo. While the government has emphasised development and security, the concerns raised about the marginalisation of traditional leaders highlight the importance of inclusive governance in a society where clan structures and elder councils remain central to social cohesion. The criticism from former National Security Advisor Abdisaid Muse Ali over the seating arrangement and representation of elders suggests that the government may not be fully engaging with traditional structures in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, the broader context of the visit, coming after recent clashes and amid escalating tensions between Puntland and the Federal Government, underscores the fragility of the situation in Mudug. The government’s ability to balance security, development, and inclusive governance will be critical to maintaining stability in the region. The international community, while supportive of development initiatives, must also press for inclusive governance and accountability to ensure that the benefits of development reach all communities and that the legitimate grievances of traditional leaders are addressed.