Somalia: Puntland Rejects Federal Constitutional Amendments, Cites Lack of Consensus

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland state on Monday formally rejected unilateral attempts by the Somali federal government to amend the country’s provisional constitution, warning that such moves threaten national unity and political stability.

Following a high-level consultative meeting in the regional capital of Garowe, Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and federal lawmakers representing the region issued a joint statement condemning the reform process led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The regional leadership characterized the amendments as "illegal" and "non-consensual," asserting that they would not recognize any changes made without broad political agreement.

"Puntland recognizes only the agreed-upon provisional constitution of 2012," the statement read. "Any amendments made without inclusive consultation and consensus are null and void. Puntland is not a party to these changes, and they will not be implemented within our jurisdiction."

The standoff centers on a suite of constitutional overhauls proposed by the central government in Mogadishu, which include shifting Somalia from a parliamentary system to a presidential one and introducing a direct "one-person, one-vote" electoral model for the 2026 elections. Critics, including opposition blocs and regional leaders, argue that these reforms centralize power in the presidency and were drafted without sufficient input from federal member states.

The meeting in Garowe, which included several lawmakers participating via video link, emphasized that the current federal leadership's mandate is nearing its end. The regional government accused the presidency of bypassing established federal protocols to push through a "one-sided" agenda.

International envoys have expressed mounting concern over the deepening rift between Mogadishu and Garowe. Recent reports indicate that global partners have urged the federal parliament's leadership to exercise restraint and prioritize national reconciliation to avoid a total collapse of the federal system.

Puntland, which established its own autonomy in 1998, has historically been a vocal advocate for a decentralized federal structure. This latest declaration further isolates the federal government as it nears the end of its term, raising questions about the feasibility of national elections scheduled for April 2026.

GAROWE ONLINE