Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that his administration had promoted federalization and decentralization in Somalia.
The president’s statement appeared to be in response to a recent accusation by the president of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, who claimed that the federal government is steering the country into a centralized government.
Puntland announced on Monday that it would operate as an autonomous state until the federal government finalizes that constitution and holds a referendum.
President Hassan Sheikh said Somalia needs a national governing system that is a uniting force.
“Federalizing the country is not about dividing it; every party can forge its own path. We are a federal republic. The central government is responsible for everything that affects Somali citizens,” explained President Hassan Sheikh.
President Hassan Sheikh said his administration was not quarrelling with any regional government but aimed to assist them in reaching their development goals.
“I want to tell the Somali people that I am transparent. We have no closed doors and no special issues that we are talking about in Somalia today,” added Hassan Sheikh.
The president made these comments at the opening of the annual conference of the Somali judiciary.
