(23-11-23) GAROWE — In a bold political move, the federal member state of Puntland, led by President Said Abdullahi Deni, on Thursday openly rejected the Somali federal government’s proposal to amend the country’s constitution. This stance was made clear during a cabinet meeting focused on various critical issues, including Puntland’s upcoming elections and pressing security concerns.
President Deni emphasized the importance of the Interim Federal Constitution, calling it “a social agreement based on political understanding and national reconciliation after the collapse of the Central Government.” He asserted that the federal government’s leaders and agencies lack the authority to change the central government’s structure, which includes the roles of the President and the Prime Minister, as established in the Transitional Constitution.
Further, the Puntland government has urged the two Houses of the Federal Parliament of Somalia not to support the removal of the Transitional Constitution or any amendments that could potentially lead to political conflict. “The Puntland government confirms that it will not be part of the implementation of any amendment to the Constitution without Puntland being part of it,” added the Puntland press release.
This development comes as the Somali federal government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, faces opposition from Puntland, opposition members, and citizens regarding the proposed constitutional changes. Puntland’s administration argues that these proposed changes are politically motivated and not in the best national interest.
Puntland’s firm stance highlights the complexities within Somalia’s federal system, particularly issues surrounding power distribution and regional autonomy. The refusal of Puntland to engage in any amendment process without its participation underscores the delicate balance of power between regional and federal authorities.
Halqabsi News
