GAROWE – The Puntland State administration has issued a formal statement rejecting any Turkish maritime operations off its 1,600-kilometre coastline, asserting its constitutional and jurisdictional authority over the management and exploitation of resources within its territory and territorial waters.
In a detailed press statement released on Sunday, the regional government cited Articles 44, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 142 of Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution (2012), as well as Articles 4 and 54 of the Puntland Constitution, to support its position that it retains exclusive authority over its marine and blue economy resources until the federal constitutional order is fully established and harmonised.
Puntland has previously expressed strong criticism of Turkey’s role in Somalia, with State Minister for Information Mohamud Aided Dirir characterising Turkey’s engagement as motivated by self-interest and asserting that its presence has failed to contribute significantly to long-term stability or governance improvements.
Constitutional Authority and Resource Management
The statement specifically barred the Turkish company SOMTURK from conducting any fishing activities, coastal security operations, or related tasks within Puntland’s territorial waters without prior approval from the relevant Puntland authorities. The administration argued that the Federal Government of Somalia lacks the legal authority to grant concessions or enter into investment agreements covering Puntland’s seas and land territory, particularly as it maintains that the federal government’s legitimate mandate has expired.
Puntland’s legal position is supported by Article 4 of the Constitution of Puntland State, which affirms Puntland’s commitment to federal Somalia while providing that powers transferred to the Federal Government must be agreed through negotiation and reflected in both constitutions. Article 54 of the same constitution establishes that resources in Puntland are owned by the Puntland people and that the Government of Puntland is responsible for their exploitation and management.
President Said Abdullahi Deni has previously held high-level meetings with the Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, discussing security cooperation, political stability, and humanitarian challenges. During those talks, both sides emphasised the importance of bilateral coordination as Somalia navigates a complex political transition.
Federal Constitutional Framework
The statement referenced the provisional constitution’s Articles 51-54, which establish the principles of cooperation, consultation and allocation of constitutional powers and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Federal Member States. Article 142 further provides that Federal Member States existing prior to the adoption of the Provisional Constitution shall continue to exercise the powers conferred by their own constitutions until the federal constitutional order is fully established and harmonised, and that they must be consulted on matters concerning the federal system. Article 44 stipulates that the Federal Government and Federal Member States shall negotiate the sharing and management of national resources.
Puntland officials have previously alleged that the Federal Government is negotiating with Turkey to establish military installations in areas historically controlled by Puntland, deepening mistrust between Garowe and Mogadishu regarding security partnerships.
Warning to Entities Operating Without Consent
Puntland warned that any entity undertaking operations within its territorial waters or land without prior consent from Puntland authorities shall be subject to inspection and law enforcement measures in accordance with the Puntland Constitution. Violators could face penalties, investigations, and comprehensive monitoring by its security forces.
Commitment to Constructive Engagement
Puntland reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, international partners, and governments, welcoming predictable and sustainable investment cooperation that respects Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and the Constitution of Puntland State. The administration said it highly values its partnership and cooperation with international partners and foreign investors, and remains committed to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation founded on constitutional principles, mutual respect, transparency, and the rule of law.
Way Forward
The dispute over maritime resources and foreign involvement further strains relations between Puntland and the Federal Government, which have already been marked by disagreements over constitutional amendments, elections, and the distribution of power. Puntland’s rejection of Turkish maritime operations highlights the ongoing challenges of federal governance in Somalia, where regional states continue to assert their authority over natural resources and security matters.
