Somalia: The Federal Government must respect the constitution, says Puntland

BOSASO, Somalia - Puntland shall not change its position on severing ties with the federal government until issues raised previously are handled through genuine dialogue, regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni said, maintaining that the state remains steadfast in promoting peace.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has convened the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting this week, but Puntland is not keen to attend, blaming Villa Somalia of blatant mutilation of the constitution and existing laws of the country.

On Saturday, President Deni stated that Puntland’s March 2024 decision to sever cooperation with the federal government remains unchanged until the root causes behind its move toward self-governing, namely, the constitutional amendments, are addressed.

“Puntland’s position has not changed,” he said, “until we see a Somali government that respects the constitution and does not serve the interests of a specific group or individuals.”

Puntland has been critical of the federal government-backed constitutional amendments, including approval of the universal suffrage elections without proper consultations. Puntland and Jubaland boycotted the ratification of the amendments, arguing that the approach was unconstitutional.

Under the new laws, both the federal government and member states are supposed to hold direct elections, ending the traditional indirect approach where elders and professionals determine who becomes a leader in Somalia.

Puntland and Jubaland have previously boycotted the NCC meeting, also questioning the formula for sharing national resources. Somalia is struggling with internal political feuds, which have slowed down the pace of fighting Al-Shabaab militants.

Deni also voiced rare support for Somaliland’s self-determination, calling for peaceful coexistence as both administrations grow increasingly estranged from the federal government in Mogadishu, which is accused of 'high-handedness' in handling local issues.

GAROWE ONLINE