Garowe (Mogadishu24) – Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has firmly opposed a map issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Mineral and Natural Resources that suggests a territorial dispute between Puntland and Galmudug over the Mudug region.
The map, which has gained traction on social media, highlights areas where the Turkish seismic survey vessel, Oruç Reis, is set to conduct gas exploration, igniting controversy.
President Deni stated that although Mudug was historically a unified region before the collapse of Somalia’s central government, it is currently divided between Puntland and Galmudug. He insisted that “there is no dispute between the two states,” calling it “unfortunate” that the federal government would create such confusion.
Deni emphasized the peaceful and cooperative relationship between Puntland and Galmudug, asserting that there are no land disputes between the two states.
This controversy arises shortly after the Turkish ship’s arrival in Mogadishu for its gas exploration mission, coinciding with escalating tensions as Puntland and Jubaland have chosen to withdraw from the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu.
The federal government’s release of the map has sparked concerns regarding federal-state relations and the overarching agenda of the NCC meeting, which is set to address critical issues such as resource sharing and governance.
