Somalia: Puntland says foreign firms need its approval to operate in its territory

Puntland state president Said Abdullahi Deni

GAROWE, Somalia, July 5 – Somalia's northeastern Federal State of Puntland on Sunday asserted its constitutional authority over the management and exploitation of natural resources within its territory and territorial waters, warning that no foreign company can operate there without its approval.

In a statement, Puntland said its position was based on both the Puntland Constitution and Somalia's Provisional Federal Constitution, adding that it was responding to what it described as attempts by Somali and Turkish business networks to operate in the region without its consent.

The administration specifically said the Turkish company SOMTURK could not conduct activities on Puntland's land or in its maritime areas without authorization from the regional government.

Puntland warned it would take action against any unauthorized attempts to operate in its coastal areas, saying violators could face penalties, investigations, and comprehensive monitoring by its security forces to prevent what it described as illegal activities.

The regional administration also argued that Somalia's Federal Government has no legal authority to grant contracts or licences covering Puntland's natural resources without prior consultation and agreement with Puntland.

GAROWE ONLINE