MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Arab Emirates has declined a request by Puntland leader Saeed Abdullahi Deni to back him in Somalia presidential race, just weeks ahead of a vote that will pit him against the incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, Caasimada Online news website reported on Sunday.
Following undisclosed talks, Emirati authorities told the regional leader that they would not fund his candidacy after he had hand-picked dozens of federal MPs and Senators elected in cities under his control.
Deni announced his candidacy for Somalia’s top office last month, saying he was prioritizing to unseat the incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, in what his critics said showed that he had no plans other than preventing his rival from winning re-election. read more
The regional president has now turned to a new plan in which he can acquire funds for his campaign. Several of his ministers flew to the United Kingdom to pave the way for his visit there, who would also start talks with a foreign oil exploration company.
According to Caasimada Online, the regional president’s visit to London will be disguised as one aimed at meeting members of Puntland communities in the UK. But he is expected sign an initial oil exploration agreement with a company based in Britain and a bonus money from the deal would be used for his presidential campaign.
It is reported that Deni has won the authorization of Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to sign an oil exploration deal with a foreign company to his advance his bid for Somalia’s presidency.
In meetings held over the past weeks in Mogadishu and Nairobi, Puntland politicians asked him to step down before launching his campaign and said he was unfit for Somalia’s president, accusing him of sowing division among regional communities and elders. read more
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