Somalia: Puntland State says foreign firms need its approval to operate in its territory
AXADLE, Somalia, July 5 – Puntland State on Sunday asserted that it alone holds constitutional authority to oversee and exploit natural resources within its territory and territorial waters, warning that no foreign company may operate there without its explicit approval.
In a statement, the northeastern Federal Member State said its stance is grounded in both the Puntland State Constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution. The announcement responded to what authorities described as efforts by Somali and Turkish business networks to begin activities in the region without the regional government’s consent.
The administration singled out the Turkish firm SOMTURK, stating the company is barred from undertaking any operations on Puntland State’s land or in its maritime domain unless it receives authorization from the Puntland State government.
Puntland State warned it would act against any unauthorized activities along its coast, saying violators could face penalties and investigations, with comprehensive monitoring by its security forces to curb what it termed illegal operations.
The regional government further maintained that Somalia’s Federal Government lacks the legal authority to issue contracts or licences relating to Puntland State’s natural resources without prior consultation and agreement with Puntland State.
AXADLETM
