My humble view on Puntland’s strategic decision to suspend all ties with the Federal Government

My humble view on Puntland’s strategic decision to suspend all ties with the Federal Government, and how all Somalis realized after a month or so that this decision was aimed at safeguarding the nascent Somali statehood.

Puntland’s decision to suspend ties with the federal government after two months became a call for a return to inclusive, consensual governance. In fact, it was a bold step towards ensuring that Somalia’s political process remains democratic and representative of all its people.

Knowing that the professional constitution, a product of consensus and extensive deliberation, was expected to be the foundation of Somalia’s federal structure. However, President Hassan Sheikh’s decision to modify this document without inclusive consultation undermines this foundation. By not arranging a platform for federal member states to present their positions on the disputed articles, and instead introducing a new constitution that seemingly serves his interests, the President has shown a disregard for the established democratic process.

On top of that, Hassan has proven to every Somali citizen that Puntland’s determination to cut ties with the federal government was perfectly reasonable and a reaction to his unilateral acts. Puntland has been calling for a return to democratic and federalist ideals by insisting on an inclusive and consensus-building platform for addressing national concerns. In addition to conveying the vitality of honest discourse in resolving constitutional flaws, this ruling emphasised the value of respect for fellow citizens and synergy in governance.

Moreover, Puntland’s decision appeared both justified and timely given the ongoing constitutional crisis and political turmoil. The core issue revolves around the selfish modification of the professional constitution, a crucial agreement between the federal government and the federal member states, by President Hassan Sheikh. Where he Instead of facilitating a dialogue to address the four contentious articles, including power sharing, revenue sharing, and the status of the capital city, President Hassan Sheikh unilaterally created a new constitution, raising serious concerns about his motives and governance style.

In addition to that, the recent meeting of the so-called National Consultative Council (NCC), which President Hassan Sheikh engineered, lends again more weight to Puntland’s position. The political strategic contention is made a far worse by the non-consensual traits of their meeting and the deceptive press release that follows. Due to a deep mistrust of the Council’s procedures, this move jeopardises Somalia’s aspirations on rebuilding and safeguarding our fragile governance that recovering from the ashes and preserve national unity.

Where the unfolding state of circumstances is triggering profound worries regarding the existence of Somalia’s political elite. Will the four FMS presidents be encouraged to act without wisdom by the President, subverting the Provisional Constitution, while they watch in empty silence? This course is leading the nation towards political discord, polarization, civil strife and uncertainty. Rather, it constitutes an essential that these leaders stand in tandem aimed at safeguarding our nation from the jeopardy that President Hassan Sheikh’s leadership poses.

The blindly participated presidents from the four federal member states in the NCC, despite its evident flaws, suggests coercion and manipulation. These leaders, by pursuing self-serving agendas, weaken governmental authority and undermine the rule of law. The obstruction of elections that have already passed their deadlines constitutes a political hijacking that threatens stability at both federal and state levels. Their failure to uphold the Transitional Constitution and their support for operations without legitimacy further drive the country towards instability.

Finally, The press release from the non-consensual NCC meeting should be deemed null and void. The President’s engagement in a flawed election system reveals a pursuit of selfish interests that alienate the Somali people. It is evident that the election process is being manipulated, compromising the integrity and transparency necessary for credible elections.

Nevertheless, I would be frank with Hassan Sheikh about the following key considerations, and I firmly believe that if he faced the harsh realities of his presidency and realised that how fragile, devastating, and deteriorating the nation has been since his election, he would put these points down on paper and strive to restore the federalism system and the trust that he had put in in grave danger.

1. Get back to the basics by initiating inclusive dialogue to establish a platform that incorporates all political stakeholders, including the founding father of Somalia’s new government, which is recovering from the ashes to restore trust in the National Consultative Council and the broader political process.

2. Uphold the agreed professional constitution among Somalis after the collapse of the Somalia government in the 1990s to reinforce commitment to the transitional constitution, ensuring that all actions and decisions are in alignment with constitutional principles and frameworks.

3. Ensure legitimate elections in order to conduct the election process transparently, credibly, and within the established legal framework, avoiding any manipulation or self-serving agendas.

4. Prioritise national unity to implement policies that foster national unity and solidarity, addressing the concerns of all federal member states and communities within Somalia.
5. Hold your cabinets. Accountable to ensure that your cabinets act in the best interests of the country rather than pursuing personal or factional gains.

✍️ Abdo Jawle