Puntland regional government has officially announced that its President, Said Abdullahi Deni, will run for the presidency of Somalia for a second term in the upcoming 2026 elections.
The announcement was confirmed by Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aidid Durr, who highlighted Deni’s ongoing military campaign against ISIS militants hiding in the mountainous Bari region as a cornerstone of his re-election campaign.
Safeguard the Somali State
This effort, which has been underway for over eight months, underscores Deni’s commitment to security and stability in Somalia.
Minister Durr stated, “Puntland government, a pillar of defense and development, is ready to safeguard the Somali state. Just as former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed rescued the nation, President Said Abdullahi Deni is prepared to do so once again.”
“Somalia needs Deni now more than ever.”
According to Durr, Deni’s candidacy emphasizes his track record of achievements and positions him as a leader capable of guiding Somalia through its ongoing challenges.
“No Somali leader today has a more distinguished record of accomplishments than the President of Puntland.
Somalia needs Said Abdullahi Deni now more than ever,” he said.
About Deni
President Deni previously finished third in the 2022 Somali presidential elections, following incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
His new campaign aims to leverage his governance experience in Puntland and his security initiatives as central elements of his platform.
As Somalia approaches the 2026 elections, Deni’s candidacy highlights the continuing influence of Puntland in national politics and the region’s role in shaping Somalia’s future.
