Senior Advisor to Puntland President Arrested in Mogadishu

By Abdiasis Farah Said

Wednesday – The Somali Police Force announced at approximately 4:00 a.m. today that it had arrested a senior advisor to the President of Puntland at Airport Hotel in Mogadishu. The individual, who is also reported to be the brother-in-law of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, was detained at a hotel where several Members of Parliament from Puntland are currently staying. According to police officials, the suspect is accused of distributing funds allegedly originating from the United Arab Emirates to influence MPs ahead of Wednesday’s parliamentary vote on key constitutional amendments. The vote is considered part of the reform agenda of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In a statement released shortly after the arrest, the Puntland Presidential Palace strongly condemned the detention, describing it as “politically motivated” and a violation of legal procedures. The statement called for the immediate release of the advisor and accused federal authorities of attempting to intimidate lawmakers from Puntland. The situation has heightened political tensions in Mogadishu as parliament prepares to deliberate on the proposed amendments. Investigations by federal authorities are ongoing, and no formal charges have yet been publicly announced.