Joint Statement from Puntland and Jubbaland Leaders Criticizing Federal Overreach

In the crisp morning air of Garowe, a pivotal message rang out from a joint press conference. Saeed Abdullahi Deni, the President of Puntland, and Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), President of Jubbaland, took a bold step. Gathering attention, they voiced their dissatisfaction with the Federal Government of Somalia, citing a blatant misuse of constitutional power aimed at pressuring regional states that diverged politically.

The presidents expressed grave concerns over what they deemed a recurring tendency of overreach by the central authority. Their words painted a vivid picture of apprehension—specifically about how national resources and airspace are managed. They pleaded for the international community’s consideration to engage more directly with federal member states instead of navigating exclusively through the central government’s corridors. Have you ever considered the complexity this might pose for equitable resource distribution?

One significant point they raised was the management of Somalia’s airspace. According to Deni and Madobe, the Federal Government had unlawfully taken control over air traffic services. This, in their view, breached the very essence of federalism. They revealed formal complaints had already reached the United Nations agency overseeing civil aviation, asking for intervention and clarity. It’s a curious twist, isn’t it, that airspace could become a federative battleground?

Moving to constitutional matters, both leaders conveyed deep dissatisfaction with recent amendments to Somalia’s Provisional Constitution. They claimed these revisions appeared to be executed unilaterally, without the inclusive dialogue that should underscore a federal structure. As if echoing the voices of many, they insisted state-wide changes must spring from a transparent, consensual process. “Constitutions are the walls that contain our rights,” one might muse, reflecting on the necessity of inclusive consultation.

Interestingly, Deni and Madobe lauded the efforts of the National Rescue Forum—a coalition of opposition politicians advocating for inclusive discussions. In their view, this coalition is key to crafting broad political solutions crucial to navigating Somalia’s current challenges. A hint of optimism pierced their critique, suggesting dialogue holds the potential to unify.

Bringing their remarks to a poignant conclusion, they called upon President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to respect the constitutional agreements foundational to Somalia’s federal system. They underscored the pressing need for credible, consensual elections. There was a clear warning wrapped in their words: if constitutional norms continue to be overlooked, Puntland and Jubbaland might feel compelled to assert the full extent of powers their regional charters afford them. It stands as a significant remark on federal autonomy, don’t you think?

This candid declaration throws the spotlight on the ever-widening chasm between Somalia’s federal states and the central government. It beckons for renewed dialogue and authentic power-sharing to protect the nation’s unity and stability. After all, isn’t honest communication the mortar holding any society together?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring