GAROWE, Somalia (Horn Post) — Puntland has formally rejected any agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Turkey that would permit Turkish entities to conduct fishing operations, coast guard activities or establish any military presence in waters off Puntland, declaring that such arrangements violate both Puntland’s constitution and Somalia’s provisional federal constitution.
In a detailed statement issued Sunday from Garowe, the Puntland government reaffirmed what it described as its constitutional authority to control, manage and regulate all natural resources within its territorial jurisdiction, including approximately 1,600 kilometers (994 miles) of coastline along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
The declaration comes amid growing debate over Somalia’s expanding strategic and economic partnerships with Turkey, particularly in the maritime sector.
Puntland Claims Exclusive Authority Over Its Marine Resources
Puntland said no foreign government, private company or organization—including Turkish entities such as SOMTURK—may undertake fisheries investments, coast guard operations or any other activities in Puntland’s territorial waters without prior authorization from Puntland authorities.
The regional administration argued that its position is grounded in both the 2012 Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Constitution of Puntland, which it says reserve authority over local resources until Somalia’s federal constitutional framework is fully finalized.
According to Puntland, the Federal Government of Somalia lacks the legal mandate to grant concessions or sign investment agreements involving Puntland’s land or maritime territory without consultation and approval from the regional administration.
Constitutional Dispute
Puntland cited Articles 44, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 142 of Somalia’s provisional constitution, arguing that they require cooperation, consultation and negotiated resource-sharing between the Federal Government and Federal Member States.
The administration also referenced Article 54 of the Puntland Constitution, which says establishes that Puntland’s natural resources belong to the people of Puntland and are administered by the regional government.
The statement stressed that Puntland would continue exercising these constitutional powers until Somalia’s federal constitutional arrangements are fully harmonized.
Warning to Foreign Investors
Puntland warned that any foreign company or government operating within its territorial waters or land without prior authorization from Puntland authorities could face inspections and legal enforcement measures under Puntland law.
Despite its objections, Puntland said it remains committed to cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia, international partners and foreign investors, provided that future investments respect Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and Puntland’s constitutional authority.
“Puntland welcomes predictable and sustainable investment cooperation that respects Somalia’s federal constitutional framework and the Constitution of Puntland State of Somalia,” the statement said.
Potential Political Implications
The announcement is likely to intensify tensions between Puntland and the administration of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over the management of Somalia’s maritime resources.
The dispute also comes as Turkey continues to expand its strategic partnership with Somalia through defense, security and economic cooperation, including agreements related to maritime development and offshore resources.
If maintained, Puntland’s position could complicate the implementation of future Somalia-Turkey maritime projects involving fisheries, coastal security or investment in areas claimed by the regional administration.
The Federal Government of Somalia had not immediately responded publicly to Puntland’s latest statement.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
