Last Sunday, Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, made a significant political decision by no longer recognizing the federal government in Mogadishu. This move comes in response to the Somali Parliament’s adoption of a constitutional revision proposing the establishment of a presidential regime and universal suffrage. Puntland’s disagreement stems from accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of constitutional violations and illegitimacy, aggravated by the revision’s adoption without the approval of Puntland’s President, Said Abdulali Deni.
Established as a semi-autonomous region in 1998, Puntland demands a mutually agreed constitutional process and a public referendum to validate the new Constitution. The local authorities intend to govern independently until their demands are addressed by the central government. This situation sheds light on Somalia’s fragile state and clan divisions, showcasing a lack of a strong central authority, which fosters tensions among regions.
International reactions to Puntland’s decision vary, some perceiving it as a means to maintain a power balance within the federal state, while others fear it may challenge the country’s unity. It is crucial to closely monitor developments and the federal government’s response to grasp the long-term implications. The dispute underscores fundamental governance and stability issues in Somalia, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue and enhanced cooperation among the country’s entities to ensure a smooth political transition respecting everyone’s aspirations.
Explore more on this topic with the following relevant links:
1. [For Peace in the DRC: President Tshisekedi’s Urgent Call for National Unity](https://eng.fatshimetrie.org/2024/04/18/for-peace-in-the-drc-president-tshisekedis-urgent-call-for-national-unity/)
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4. [External source on the same subject](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20240331-somalie-la-r%C3%A9gion-du-puntland-r%C3%A9voque-sa-reconnaissance-du-gouvernement-f%C3%A9d%C3%A9ral)