Garowe, Puntland — 5 July 2026: The Puntland government has issued a statement reaffirming its constitutional authority over the management of its territorial land and maritime resources, warning that foreign governments, companies and investors must obtain prior approval from Puntland authorities before undertaking any activities within its jurisdiction.
Wararka Soomaaliya
In the statement released on Saturday, the regional administration said it holds constitutional and legal authority to control, manage, explore and utilise natural resources located within its territory, including approximately 1,600 kilometres of coastline along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
Puntland argued that its position is grounded in both the Puntland Constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution, citing several constitutional provisions that define the division of powers between Somalia’s Federal Government and its Federal Member States.
The administration specifically stated that no foreign private or state-owned company—including Turkey’s state-linked company SOMTÜRK—may engage in fisheries investment, coastguard operations or any other activities in Puntland’s territorial waters without the prior consent of Puntland authorities.
Faahfaahinta
According to the statement, the Puntland government maintains that federal institutions in Mogadishu do not have the legal authority to grant concessions or sign investment agreements involving resources located within Puntland’s jurisdiction without the region’s approval.
Officials argued that Somalia’s federal constitutional framework requires consultation and negotiation between the Federal Government and Federal Member States on issues relating to natural resource management and the allocation of constitutional powers.
The statement also referenced Article 142 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, saying it allows Federal Member States to continue exercising powers granted under their own constitutions until the country’s federal constitutional order is fully harmonised.
Saamaynta
Puntland further cited Articles 4 and 54 of its own constitution, which it says affirm the region’s responsibility for the ownership, management and exploitation of resources within its territory until constitutional arrangements are fully agreed at the federal level.
The regional administration warned that any organisation or entity operating in Puntland’s territorial waters or on its land without authorisation would face inspection and law enforcement measures in accordance with Puntland’s constitution.
Despite its warning, Puntland said it remains committed to cooperation with Somalia’s Federal Government, international partners and foreign investors, provided that investment agreements respect Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and Puntland’s constitutional authority.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
