GAROWE – The Government of Puntland has formally rejected the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) decision to annul bilateral agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), declaring the move “null and void” within its jurisdiction. This news comes at the time as President Deni of Puntland is in UAE or on his way to.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Monday, January 12, Puntland authorities asserted that the federal directive would have no impact on the state’s security cooperation with the UAE or the ongoing development of the Bosaso Port.
This pushback comes hours after the Federal Cabinet in Mogadishu announced the termination of all defense and commercial treaties with Abu Dhabi, citing violations of Somali sovereignty.
See Also: Somalia Terminates All UAE Agreements Following Airspace Dispute
Constitutional Dispute
The Puntland administration argued that under its own state constitution and Article 142 of the Provisional Federal Constitution (2012), it retains the legal authority to enter into and maintain agreements that support its security and development.
“The Puntland Government… holds the sole responsibility to protect, revoke, or amend development and security agreements entered into with companies and friendly nations operating within Puntland,” the statement read.
The statement specifically highlighted the importance of these partnerships in the fight against terrorist groups, including ISIS and Al-Shabaab, as well as piracy operations in the region.
“Null and Void”
The press release explicitly dismissed the Federal Cabinet’s order to cancel the Bosaso Port Development Project, a multi-million dollar upgrade managed by UAE-owned DP World. Puntland officials reassured their partners that operations would continue uninterrupted.
“The statement issued by the Federal Cabinet… is baseless and will have no impact whatsoever on the cooperation between the Puntland Government and the United Arab Emirates,” the release stated.
See Also: DP World Planning to Modernize Bosaso Port in Puntland
Political Fallout
The statement also leveled heavy criticism at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of using the diplomatic row to distract from domestic political failures. Puntland alleged that the President is “actively working to divide and incite conflict” to delay agreed-upon federal elections.
Puntland reminded the public that it had already suspended cooperation with Federal Government agencies in early 2023. This suspension followed accusations that President Mohamud had unilaterally altered the constitution, a move Puntland claims undermined the federal system.
See Also: Puntland Official Suspended for Praising Somali President Amid Rift
The deepening rift between Garowe and Mogadishu suggests that the implementation of the federal ban on UAE activities will face significant hurdles in Puntland, potentially leading to a dual-policy landscape within Somalia’s borders.
