Somalia: Puntland Holds Firm on NCC Boycott, Demands Fresh Approach

BOSASO, Somalia – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has firmly rejected participation in Somalia’s upcoming National Consultation Conference (NCC), scheduled for May 1-2 in Mogadishu, unless it marks a significant departure from past formats, highlighting growing tensions between the federal government and Federal States.

Addressing a graduation ceremony for PMPF troops in the coastal city of Bosaso on Saturday, Deni reiterated his concerns over what he described as “unilateral constitutional changes” imposed by the federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He withdrew from the NCC process in December 2022, citing a lack of inclusivity and transparency, and has since maintained that dialogue must be conducted on fairer terms.

“My proposed platform for talks remains open here in Garowe,” Deni added, referring to Puntland’s capital as a potential venue for national-level negotiations. “We will not join a conference that repeats the flaws of the past,” he stated, without elaborating on specific demands for the NCC’s restructuring.

The NCC, a key mechanism for Somalia’s fragile political process, is intended to foster consensus on constitutional reforms, electoral frameworks, and security arrangements. However, Deni’s refusal to attend, alongside a similar boycott by Jubaland’s leadership, threatens to derail President Mohamud’s efforts to unify the country’s fractious regions.

Puntland in northeastern Somalia has long clashed with Mogadishu over power-sharing and resource allocation. Deni’s latest remarks underscore a broader regional discontent with the federal government’s approach to governance, particularly its push for constitutional amendments that critics argue centralize authority.

Somalia’s political landscape remains deeply fragmented, with regional states like Puntland and Jubaland operating with significant autonomy while resisting federal overreach. The boycott by two of Somalia’s five federal member states raises questions about the NCC’s legitimacy and its ability to produce binding agreements.

In Mogadishu, federal officials have yet to respond publicly to Deni’s statement. However, analysts warn that the standoff could further delay Somalia’s efforts to stabilize its governance structures, already hampered by insecurity, clan rivalries, and the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab insurgents.

Deni’s announcement comes as Somalia navigates a critical juncture, with international partners urging progress on political reforms to secure continued support. The United Nations and African Union have emphasized inclusive dialogue as essential for Somalia’s path to stability, but the growing rift casts a shadow over these efforts.

For now, Deni appears steadfast in his position, signaling that any resolution will require significant concessions from the federal government. “Puntland is committed to Somalia’s unity, but not at the expense of our principles,” he said, as the troops and local dignitaries applauded.

GAROWE ONLINE