By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 13 January 2026 — The Puntland Government of Somalia has rejected what it described as interference by the Federal Government of Somalia in Puntland’s internal security affairs, reaffirming that cooperation with the United Arab Emirates remains lawful and constitutionally grounded.
In an official statement issued on Monday, Puntland said it is mandated under the Puntland Constitution and the Provisional Constitution of Somalia (2012), particularly Article 142, to manage and protect its own security, including border protection and counterterrorism operations against groups such as ISIS (Daacish) and Al-Shabaab.
The statement stressed that the Federal Government has no legal basis to interfere in security arrangements related to the Bosaso Port development project or in Puntland’s security cooperation with the UAE, describing such cooperation as legitimate and necessary.
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Puntland also voiced concern over what it called repeated constitutional violations by Mogadishu, warning that such actions risk political instability and undermine national cohesion. It urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to return to a constitutional path that respects the authority of federal member states and their institutions.
The regional government recalled its 2023 decision to suspend cooperation with the Federal Government, citing ongoing breaches of the constitutional framework and federal system. While reaffirming openness to dialogue, Puntland said engagement must be based strictly on constitutional legality.
Puntland concluded by reiterating its commitment to continued cooperation with the UAE and the company implementing the Bosaso Port project, saying the partnership supports security, economic growth, and development for Puntland and Somalia as a whole.
