Somalia’s Federal Government Accused of Undermining Federalism

GAROWE, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has yet again been accused of frustrating federalism through a persistent onslaught of states, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud blamed for failing to support the cause, which is seen as a path to Somalia’s stability.

Traditional elders from Sanaag and Haylaan accuse Mogadishu of weakening federalism instead of diverting energy towards strengthening state-building processes initiated across the country for the betterment ot the people.

Mohamed Abdirahman, Puntland’s minister for Environment and Climate Change, welcomed the statement by the elders, who issued a stern warning to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration over continued attacks against federal states.

"I welcome the statement from the traditional leaders of Sanaag and Haylaan, led by the respected Sultan Siciid Sultan Cabdisalaan. It is a clear message to the Federal Government of Somalia, whose leadership has in recent years been preoccupied with weakening and interfering in the federal system," he said.

"I strongly condemn these attempts to dismantle Somalia’s federal member states and its constitutional framework. Puntland’s unity is rooted in both public consensus and constitutional legitimacy—its people have shed blood and invested heavily in its defense and development."

The government of Somalia is pushing for the creation of a new federal state — SSC Khatumo, which includes Sanaag and Haylaan regions, a move that Puntland has opposed. There were reports that the federal government had dispatched troops to the regions to support the mission.

Puntland and Jubaland have strongly condemned the federal government for what they term 'intimidation' to force them to submit to the electoral model dispute. The two states have been consistent, calling out Mogadishu for what they term as 'weak leadership'.

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