Puntland Says Somalia Has Entered Constitutional Vacuum, Urges Urgent Talks

GAROWE, Somalia — Authorities in Puntland warned that Somalia is facing a constitutional vacuum and growing political uncertainty, calling for urgent consultations to prevent instability.

In a statement, Puntland’s cabinet said on Thursday that, in line with Article 60 of Somalia’s provisional constitution, the constitutional mandate of the Federal Parliament expired on April 14, 2026. It added that the term of the president of the Federal Government of Somalia is set to end on May 15, 2026, in accordance with Article 91.

The northeastern Federal State said federal institutions were now confronting constitutional ambiguity, warning that the country risked sliding into political breakdown and security turmoil.

Puntland urged the Somali president to safeguard national unity and convene an urgent conference before the end of his mandate to reach a consensual solution on elections for federal institutions, including parliament and the presidency, as well as polls for federal member states.

The statement underscored the need for agreement among stakeholders to avoid further political tensions and ensure continuity of governance. 

GAROWE ONLINE