Somalia: Puntland Rules Out Return to NCC, Calls for Broader Political Dialogue

GAROWE, Somalia – Puntland State of Somalia will not return to the National Consultative Council (NCC) talks scheduled to take place in Mogadishu, an official said, calling instead for a broader and more inclusive political dialogue.

State Minister for the Presidency of Puntland, Abdifatah Abdinuur, told BBC Somali that Puntland sees no value in rejoining a forum it withdrew from in December 2022, citing fundamental disagreements over the federal leadership’s approach to state-building and governance.

“There is no point in going back to a platform we walked away from due to a lack of understanding and trust,” Abdinuur said. “The forum has failed to provide political solutions to the existing disputes, and its structure does not reflect the inclusivity required for meaningful dialogue.”

The minister criticized the current format of the NCC, which brings together the Federal Government and Federal Member States, arguing that it excludes vital segments of Somali society. He urged for a more comprehensive national dialogue involving civil society, political stakeholders, and international partners.

Abdinuur also emphasized that Puntland, along with the international community, has submitted key agenda items—including issues of security and inclusive political processes—for discussion at the Mogadishu talks. However, he expressed skepticism that these concerns would be adequately addressed.

The Federal Government of Somalia is set to host the NCC summit on May 5 in Mogadishu. Puntland and Jubaland, two key federal member states, are expected to boycott the meeting.

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