GAROWE (Dawan Africa) – The Puntland Council of Ministers, chaired by President Said Abdullahi Deni, has urged international donors and stakeholders to engage directly with the Puntland administration. This decision follows the council's assessment that the terms of Somalia's president and parliament have expired, creating a legal vacuum at the federal level.
According to a statement released after the meeting, Puntland will not recognize federal institutions until their mandates are clarified through a legitimate process. The regional administration emphasized its commitment to stability and development, but insisted on direct cooperation with partners to ensure aid reaches intended beneficiaries without federal interference.
Puntland has historically maintained a degree of autonomy within Somalia's federal system. The current move reflects ongoing tensions between Mogadishu and regional states over power-sharing and electoral timelines. The council's resolution calls for a review of all agreements with the federal government until constitutional issues are resolved.
International partners, including the UN and African Union, have not yet commented on Puntland's request. The region remains a key partner in counter-terrorism efforts and humanitarian operations in Somalia.
