Prime Minister Hamza Congratulates Puntland on 28th Anniversary Amid Federal-State Tensions

MOGADISHU – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has extended his congratulations to the people and leadership of Puntland on the 28th anniversary of the regional state’s establishment, in a message that underscores the federal government’s acknowledgment of Puntland’s role in Somalia’s state-building journey even as political tensions between Mogadishu and Garowe continue to simmer.

The Prime Minister praised the people of Puntland for their political maturity and commitment to peace, and commended the successive leaders of the regional state for their contributions to nation-building and their steadfastness during the various phases of the state’s establishment and development. He concluded by wishing the leadership and people of Puntland lasting peace, development and prosperity.

A Conciliatory Gesture Amid Deep Divisions

The Prime Minister’s message comes at a time of significant political tension between the federal government and Puntland. Puntland has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of orchestrating military movements aimed at destabilizing the region, and has described the president as a “term-expired president.” Puntland has also issued formal warnings to Galmudug State, urging it not to allow its airports and territory to be used for the transit of military supplies, weapons or militias that could be used to attack or destabilise Puntland communities.

The Prime Minister’s message, while framed as a gesture of goodwill, is also a reminder that the federal government has not given up on its claim to authority over Puntland. Puntland has rejected federal constitutional amendments and has barred federal-linked troops from its territory. The region’s leaders have consistently argued that federal overreach is the primary threat to stability, and any attempt to assert authority from Mogadishu is met with resistance.

A History of Tension

The anniversary of Puntland’s establishment, which dates back to August 1, 1998, has traditionally been a moment for reflection on the region’s role in Somalia’s federal experiment. Puntland was established as a semi-autonomous regional state during the civil war and has since served as a model for federalism in Somalia. However, the relationship between Mogadishu and Garowe has been fraught with tension for years. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has undertaken unannounced foreign trips, travelling to Ethiopia and the UAE, reflecting the deepening political and economic crisis gripping Puntland, which faces a 32.4 percent budget shortfall, a closed Bosaso port, and months of unpaid civil servant salaries.

The PSF Dispute and Federal-State Relations

A central point of contention is the status of the Puntland Security Force (PSF). Puntland has declared that there is no force known as “PSF” that legally forms part of the Puntland Defense Forces, and that no forces registered under the Federal Government are authorized to conduct military operations inside Puntland’s territory. The dispute is a symptom of a deeper crisis of governance in Somalia’s federal system, where the constitution is ambiguous on the division of security authority between the federal government and member states.

Way Forward

Prime Minister Hamza’s congratulatory message is a diplomatic gesture that acknowledges Puntland’s role in Somalia’s state-building while avoiding any direct confrontation over the political disagreements between the two sides. But the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The PSF dispute, the constitutional crisis, and the growing military confrontation between Garowe and Mogadishu threaten to undermine the very stability that the anniversary celebrates. Whether the Prime Minister’s gesture can pave the way for a genuine dialogue remains to be seen.