The event drew a high-profile delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, as well as leaders from various federal member states.

President Deni secured his re-election on January 8, in an election that deviated from the initially proposed one-person one-vote model due to armed violence and opposition from clan elders.

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including United Nations ambassador to Somalia Catriona Laing, along with ambassadors from the European Union, China, and Turkey.

Various politicians delivered speeches, addressing current issues within the country and the broader region. In the majority of their addresses, political leaders expressed disapproval of the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), advocating for unity to counter what they characterized as "Addis Ababa’s desire to grab maritime territory” from Somalia.

President Deni, who will now serve another five-year term, becomes the first Puntland leader to win re-election.

Former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire, Abdi Farah Shirdon, Ali Mohamed Geddi, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, and Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmaarke were among the distinguished guests.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who had experienced a strained relationship with President Deni during his regime, also attended the inauguration ceremony. He congratulated the re-elected president, emphasizing the importance of a fair election process.

"I congratulate President Said Deni and his Vice President for securing their re-election. It’s always good to get re-elected, but in a fair manner,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated during the ceremony.

President Deni, in his address, pledged to lead the people of Puntland towards unity and cohesion. He also announced plans for a Somali reconciliation dialogue in Garowe to address differences among Somali leaders.

"I thank all Somali leaders who have accepted our invitation. We will host a Somali reconciliation dialogue in Garowe to solve the differences between Somali leaders and societies,” President Deni declared, receiving applause.

However, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire expressed strong opposition to the Somali parliament’s move to open the door for constitutional amendments on Wednesday. Many fear that this process could further divide the already fragile political landscape of the country.

"While our country is facing immense threats from external and internal sources, I am very sad that yesterday the federal parliament went ahead with a tension and political crisis that have emerged from the amendment of the country’s Constitution without a consensus,” Khaire remarked, emphasizing the need for a more deliberative approach.

Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Barre Duale, delivering a robust speech at the inauguration event, criticized Somali political leadership for failing to agree on common interests. He urged unity in facing the common threat posed by terrorist groups, asserting that a military solution alone would not bring sustainable resolution to Somalia’s security challenges.

"A military solution only cannot solve Somalia’s security problems,” Minister Duale asserted.

Credit:  Hussein Mohamed for Kaab TV