By Goth Mohamed Goth
GAROWE, Somalia, July 5, 2026 – Somalia’s northeastern Federal Member State of Puntland has issued a formal warning to SOMTURK and all other foreign and domestic entities against conducting commercial or security operations within its territorial waters and on its land without prior authorization from regional authorities.
In a press statement released on Sunday, the Puntland administration declared that no company—whether foreign, privately owned, or state-linked—is permitted to engage in activities such as fishery investments, coastal protection, or any other maritime and terrestrial operations within Puntland’s jurisdiction without an official license and approval from the relevant Puntland agencies.
The statement explicitly named SOMTURK, a joint Somali-Turkish entity established in late 2025, which the Federal Government has designated to manage licensing for foreign fishing vessels operating in Somalia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Constitutional Basis
Puntland grounded its directive in Articles 44, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 142 of Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Federal Constitution, as well as Articles 4 and 54 of the Puntland State Constitution. The regional administration argued that federal institutions lack the legal mandate to unilaterally issue concessions, grant licenses, or enter into investment agreements concerning resources located within Puntland’s land and maritime boundaries.
The regional state noted that while Somalia has formally adopted a federal system of governance, negotiations to finalize the constitutional division of powers between the central government and member states remain ongoing. Puntland maintains that until this framework is completed, federal authorities cannot bypass regional consultation on matters affecting Puntland’s resources.
Resource Ownership and Federalism
Puntland emphasized that under its own constitution, the natural resources found within its territory belong to the people of Puntland, and the regional government bears constitutional responsibility for their administration and beneficial utilization. The administration reiterated its commitment to the federal system but insisted that cooperation and mutual consultation—as stipulated in the federal charter—must guide all resource-related decisions between Mogadishu and the member states.
The statement further asserted that any agreements or licenses issued by the Federal Government regarding Puntland’s territories without prior consultation are legally invalid and carry no binding effect.
Enforcement and Consequences
The regional administration issued a clear warning that any individual, company, or entity found operating within Puntland’s waters or on its land without proper authorization from Puntland authorities will be subject to inspections, formal investigations, and legal enforcement measures in accordance with regional laws.
Commitment to Investment
Despite its firm stance, Puntland reaffirmed its openness to foreign investment and international partnerships. The administration stated that it welcomes sustainable and lawful investment cooperation, provided that such engagements fully respect Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and explicitly recognize Puntland’s constitutionally guaranteed authority. Puntland stressed that it highly values partnerships founded on transparency, mutual respect, and adherence to the rule of law.
Background and Political Context
The declaration comes amid broader tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu over revenue-sharing, resource control, and the devolution of powers—issues that have strained relations between federal and regional authorities in recent years. Türkiye has emerged as one of Somalia’s closest international allies, maintaining its largest embassy in Africa and a significant military training presence in the country.
The Federal Government of Somalia had not issued an immediate public response to Puntland’s latest warning at the time of publication.
