Puntland Marks 28 Years Since Its Founding Amid Federal Standoff

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Puntland State on Saturday marked the 28th anniversary of its establishment, commemorating its founding on August 1, 1998, as one of Somalia’s oldest and most influential federal member states.

Established during the aftermath of Somalia’s civil war, Puntland is the country’s second-oldest regional administration after Somaliland, which declared itself in 1991. Over the past 28 years, Puntland has developed into one of Somalia’s largest and relatively most stable administrations, building functioning state institutions, maintaining security across much of its territory, and expanding public services.

Since its inception, Puntland has been led by six presidents: Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, Mohamed Abdi Hashi, Mohamud Muse Hersi (Adde Muse), Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas, and the incumbent, Said Abdullahi Deni.

The administration has played a significant role in shaping Somalia’s federal system. Puntland leaders were among the key architects of the political negotiations that laid the foundation for federal governance, earning the state the nickname “the Mother of Somalia’s Federal System.”

On the security front, Puntland has long been regarded as more stable than many other parts of Somalia. Its security forces have conducted operations against militant groups and piracy, while much of the region has remained conducive to trade, investment, and economic activity.

The regional administration has also established legislative, executive, and judicial institutions that have contributed to the development of governance and public administration.

In recent years, Puntland has invested in major infrastructure projects, including road construction, the development of Garacad Port, airport upgrades, improvements in education and healthcare, and initiatives aimed at increasing domestic revenue, strengthening its financial self-reliance.

Despite these achievements, Puntland has repeatedly been at odds with Somalia’s Federal Government over political and constitutional issues. The disputes have largely centered on power-sharing, constitutional amendments, electoral arrangements, and differing interpretations of the federal system.

Relations between Puntland and the Federal Government are currently at their lowest point, with cooperation between the two sides effectively suspended. Puntland has consistently maintained that it freezes engagement with federal institutions whenever it believes the federal system or the agreements underpinning Somalia’s governance are being undermined.

As Puntland celebrates its 28th anniversary, the administration is highlighting progress in security, governance, and public service delivery. At the same time, it continues to face significant challenges, including deepening democratic reforms, accelerating economic growth, completing Somalia’s federal framework, and rebuilding working relations with the Federal Government.