Opposing the central gov is a tradition for Pland. And it has been since Farole days. The UAE merely used the preexisting fissures.
As for Deni, he brought us HSM who was already known to dislike Pland. His opposition to HSM is personal. It has nothing to do with the interest of Pland. He also personalized his opposition to Farmajo. He made a point of wanting to oust Farmaajo and not coz it was good for the country.
I share your sentiment about foreign involvement in our affairs.
I do credit Deni for the fight against Deash.
They always used Puntland as a hedge and a tool against the central gov. Their investment in Puntland was minimal.
Deni's authority has been diminishing thanks to his inability to comprise and antagonize everyone.
PSF and clan militias from Garowe are openly defying him. Issimada are done with him.
They are already leaving Bosaso. Thier equipment and personal are being flown to Ethiopia or back to Abu Dubai.
Their proxies are being choked logistically and rare aligning with Saudis, Turks, and Pakistan.
Too pridectable
Saudi Arabia moving towards military coalition with Somalia and Egypt
Saudi Arabia moving towards military coalition with Somalia and Egypt
WWW.MIDDLEEASTEYE.NET
Deal in the works to secure strategic collaboration in effort to limit UAE's regional influence, report says
I believe he did, but the man is losing support very fast. His stubbornness doesn't help.
It's worth noting Pland troops and elders are in Sool now. Many didn't appreciate his hostility towards Northeast state.