Puntland Rejects Federal Government Authority Over Somalia’s Coastal Agreements

GAROWE, Somalia, (HCTV) — The Puntland Government has issued a strongly worded press statement rejecting any agreements concerning Somalia’s territorial waters, coastal resources, and maritime investments that are concluded by the Federal Government of Somalia without Puntland’s prior approval.

In the statement released Sunday, Puntland reaffirmed that it has constitutional authority over the management, exploration, and utilization of natural resources located within its land territory and the approximately 1,600-kilometer coastline stretching along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.

The regional administration argued that under both the Puntland Constitution and Somalia’s Provisional Federal Constitution, the Federal Government lacks the legal authority to unilaterally sign agreements affecting Puntland’s territorial waters or natural resources.

Puntland specifically stated that no foreign government, private company, or investor — including Türkiye’s state-owned energy company SOMTÜRK — may undertake activities such as offshore exploration, fisheries investments, coastguard operations, or other maritime projects in Puntland without the authorization of Puntland authorities.

The statement cited Articles 44, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 142 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, as well as Articles 4 and 54 of the Puntland Constitution, arguing that powers over natural resources and federal-state responsibilities remain subject to negotiation between the Federal Government and Federal Member States.

According to Puntland, until Somalia completes its constitutional review process and reaches a final agreement on the sharing of powers and resources, Federal Member States retain the constitutional powers granted under their own constitutions.

The administration warned that any individual, company, or institution operating within Puntland’s land or territorial waters without prior consent from Puntland authorities would be subject to inspection and legal enforcement measures under Puntland law.

Despite its objections, Puntland said it remains committed to constructive engagement with the Federal Government of Somalia, international partners, and foreign investors, provided that all cooperation respects Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and Puntland’s constitutional authority.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Puntland and Mogadishu over the control of Somalia’s natural resources and follows recent agreements involving offshore energy exploration and maritime development.

Press statement from Puntland