GAALKACYO, Somalia — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has ruled out seeking a third term in office, ending speculation that he could pursue constitutional changes to extend his tenure and potentially opening the way for a presidential bid at the federal level in Somalia.
Speaking at a meeting with elders, young people, women, regional officials and local councillors in Gaalkacyo, Deni said Puntland’s Constitution had allowed him to serve two terms and that he would support the candidate nominated by his Kaah party to succeed him.
“I have been allowed by the Constitution to lead Puntland twice, and I was elected both times,” Deni said. “I have two years remaining. Whoever wants the position should come forward. I will support the candidate nominated by our party.”
The declaration removes a major question hanging over Puntland politics, where opposition figures had expressed concern that constitutional changes could be pursued to allow Deni to seek another term.
It also sharpens speculation about his longer-term political ambitions. Deni is widely expected to consider a campaign for Somalia’s federal presidency, a move that would shift him from Puntland’s political arena into a national contest in Mogadishu.
Deni has previously competed for Somalia’s presidency and remains one of the country’s most prominent federal political figures. His decision to leave Puntland’s presidency after two terms could allow him to devote greater political attention to the national race.
The timing is significant as Somalia prepares for another highly contested political cycle, with disputes over constitutional arrangements, elections and relations between the federal government and federal member states continuing to shape national politics.
For Puntland, meanwhile, Deni’s announcement is likely to trigger an early contest over his successor and the candidate who will carry the ruling Kaah party into the next election.
Deni said his administration would focus during the remainder of its mandate on security, infrastructure and economic development in Puntland, including completion of the paved road linking Nugaal and Mudug and a planned water-supply project in Gaalkacyo.
He also highlighted plans for a government development fund and an investment bank intended to finance development projects, encourage investment and create employment opportunities for young people.
The president’s declaration therefore closes one political question while opening another: who will succeed him in Puntland, and whether Deni will eventually seek to turn his regional political base into a campaign for Somalia’s highest office.
