Said Abdullahi Deni, the president of Puntland, stands out as one of Somalia’s most ambitious politicians. Twice running for Somalia’s presidency, Deni also made history as the first Puntland leader to win two terms in office. Despite his drive and persistence, his leadership has often been criticized for a lack of vision, strategic planning, and, most notably, patience.
Deni’s political journey is marked by his early collaboration with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the current president of Somalia. During Hassan’s first administration, Deni served as Minister of Planning and maintained close ties with him. Their alliance, however, fractured when Hassan Sheikh reportedly reneged on a promise to appoint Deni as his prime minister in his second term. This broken promise sowed seeds of rivalry that have since defined their relationship.
During the 2022 elections, Deni supported Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the final round against then-incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo. However, once Hassan won, the fallout deepened as the federal government and Puntland clashed on multiple fronts. Deni retaliated by severing ties with the federal government, a move that many argue weakened Puntland’s influence on national politics.
Missteps in Leadership
Under Deni’s leadership, Puntland—a state once seen as the cornerstone of federalism and a formidable force against the central government—has seen its power and leverage wane. Instead of challenging federal policies constructively, Deni chose isolation. His decision to cut ties with the federal government has allowed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to consolidate more power, reducing the checks and balances that Puntland once provided.
This lack of strategic foresight has alienated Puntland from national discussions. Instead of leveraging Puntland’s historical political strength, Deni has allowed the state to drift into irrelevance on the national stage.
Political Miscalculations
Deni’s critics argue that he has repeatedly taken the path of least resistance. Instead of rallying opposition leaders and presenting his case to the Somali public, he resorts to political disengagement, portraying himself as a victim. This approach has eroded Puntland’s standing in Somalia’s political arena and has drawn comparisons to a “crying baby” rather than a visionary leader.
The announcement that Puntland would print its own currency under Deni’s leadership has also raised eyebrows. While the move may reflect his ambition to strengthen Puntland’s autonomy, critics see it as yet another impractical step disconnected from the realities of governance. A president aspiring to lead Somalia cannot afford actions that deepen divisions and fragment the nation further.
Lessons for Leadership
Deni’s political ambitions are evident, but ambition alone does not translate into effective leadership. To succeed as a national leader, Deni must prioritize unifying the nation over personal grievances. Somalia needs leaders who can bridge divides, foster cooperation between federal and state governments, and strengthen institutions.
Instead of isolating Puntland, Deni should capitalize on its historical strength as a model of federalism. Engaging in constructive dialogue with federal authorities, building alliances, and presenting viable solutions to Somalia’s challenges would better serve his political goals.
Somalia remains an unstable state grappling with numerous challenges, from terrorism to political instability. Leaders like Deni have a responsibility to rise above personal rivalries and focus on nation-building. Puntland’s decline in influence is not an inevitable outcome but a reflection of leadership choices.
If Said Abdullahi Deni truly aspires to lead Somalia, he must abandon the “daydreamer” approach and adopt a vision grounded in unity, strategic planning, and collaboration. Only then can he turn his ambitions into a legacy that benefits Puntland and the entire nation.
