Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Puntland members in the two houses of the Somali Parliament have expressed deep concern over what they describe as the Federal Government of Somalia's ongoing obstruction of critical development projects and international aid intended for Puntland State.
The representatives allege that these actions, driven by political motives, threaten to undermine national unity and cohesion.
In a strongly worded statement, the Puntland lawmakers accused the Federal Government of employing a "politicized policy of collective punishment" against the people of Puntland, depriving them of essential services and development opportunities.
They emphasized that since the state's collapse in 1991, Puntland has been at the forefront of promoting good governance and driving the state-building process in Somalia, and that the current actions by the federal authorities jeopardize this progress.
The representatives called for the immediate release of all development projects and international aid, including those related to infrastructure, education, health, water, electricity, and fisheries. They stressed that these projects are vital for the well-being and prosperity of Puntland's citizens and should not be used as tools for political leverage.
The statement also criticized the Federal Government's interference in the Somali Stability Fund (SSF) program, claiming that politicization and pressure on donors undermine the fund's objectives of supporting stability and development in Somalia. This interference, they argued, erodes trust and risks losing crucial international support.
The Puntland representatives appealed to international partners and donors to recognize the harmful impact of these obstructions and to support mechanisms that ensure aid reaches those in need without political interference. They reaffirmed their commitment to a united Somalia where all regions can thrive and contribute to the nation's growth.
In conclusion, the lawmakers called for an end to the politicization of aid and development projects and urged the immediate resumption of all suspended initiatives in Puntland. They stressed the importance of prioritizing the needs of the people over political interests and working collaboratively with all regional administrations to ensure equitable resource distribution across Somalia.