GAROOWE/TORONTO, August 23, 2024 — The statement from Puntland First is an urgent appeal to the international community and calls for immediate action to prevent a humanitarian crisis and political destabilization in Somalia.
In a summary,
- The statement is a call for international intervention to prevent the politicization of aid in Somalia, particularly in the Puntland state.
- The Puntland First is concerned that if the international community does not intervene quickly, Somalia may become much more divided.
- The situation could deteriorate into greater conflict, endangering the stability of the region and the country as a whole.
Recipient List:
The statement is directed to a wide array of international stakeholders, including Western and Arab countries, global financial institutions and international organizations such as the UN, EU, AU, and others. This broad recipient list indicates the severity of the situation and the need for a coordinated international response.
About Puntland First:
Puntland First is a grassroots movement focused on advocating for the rights and well-being of the people of Puntland, self autonomous state in northeastern Horn of Africa. This movement is raising alarms about a worsening crisis and emphasizing the importance of international attention.
Accusations Against the Somali Government:
The Puntland First accuses the Federal Government of Somalia, particularly the Mogadishu-based administration of obstructing the delivery of vital international aid and development projects to Puntland. The movement suggests that this obstruction is politically motivated and could lead to further conflict and the spread of state-sponsored hatred.
Highlighting Recent Developments:
The statement references recent communications from the Puntland government (dated August 17, 2024) and the Somali Parliament (dated August 19, 2024). These communications express deep concern over the issues raised by the Puntland First movement. The movement fears that politicizing aid—such as blocking access to education and healthcare—could destabilize the region, undermining progress in state-building and creating conditions ripe for extremism and violence.
Call to Action:
Puntland First echoes the concerns of the Puntland government and Somali parliament, urging the international community to take immediate and decisive action. Specifically, they call for:
- Ensuring the direct and unimpeded delivery of aid to Puntland.
- Condemning any attempts to withhold or divert resources.
- Recognizing Puntland’s commitment to democracy and good governance.
The Larger Implications:
The statement frames the situation in Puntland as a critical test for the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. PuntlandFirst warns that without immediate action, the crisis could lead to greater fragmentation and disunity among Somalis, threatening the overall future of the country.
Here’s the full text of the statement
Friday, 23 August 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To:
USA, UK, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Kingdom of Netherlands, Denmark, France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
United Nations, European Union, IGAD, African Union (AU), League of Arab States (LAS) and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and International Organizations
—
Puntland First, a grassroots movement advocating for the rights and well-being of the people of Puntland, Somalia, is raising the alarm over the escalating crisis in the region. The Mogadishu-based Federal Government of Somalia faces accusations of obstructing vital international aid and development projects, a trend that could ignite conflict and fuel state-sponsored hate.
This alarming situation, highlighted in recent communications from both the Puntland government on August 17, 2024, and members of the Somali Parliament on August 19, 2024, has drawn deep concern from the Puntland First movement. The movement emphasizes that the politicization of aid is not only hindering development but also jeopardizing the hard-won gains in Somalia’s state-building process. Politicizing humanitarian aid, including support for education and healthcare services, could create fertile ground for extremism and violence.
Puntland First echoes the calls from the Puntland government and Somali parliament members for the international community to take immediate action. The movement urges all stakeholders to ensure the direct and unimpeded delivery of aid to Puntland, to condemn any attempt to withhold or divert resources, and to recognize Puntland’s commitment to democracy and good governance.
The situation in Puntland is a critical test for the international community’s commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. PuntlandFirst urges immediate action to prevent further escalation of fragmentation and disunity among Somalis, as well as to ensure a more promising future for all Somalis.
—
Puntland First
Garowe, Minneapolis, London, Toronto, Melbourne
𝕯𝖗. 𝐗𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐆, Pundit and columnust (HoA)
Tel: 952-292-2778
E-mail: info@puntlandfirst.com
Official Website: puntlandfirst.com
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