The recent press statement issued by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) regarding the vessel SEA WORLD is not only misleading but constitutes a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts. It is a politically motivated attempt to obscure the truth about an illegal arms shipment and to undermine Puntland’s legitimate constitutional authority.
As an autonomous Federal Member State, Puntland has both the legal mandate and moral responsibility to defend its territorial integrity and ensure that no illicit cargo — particularly arms — enters its jurisdiction. Any attempt to frame such legitimate action as obstructionist is a dangerous distortion of federalism.
Let it be clear: Puntland’s actions are grounded in its Constitution, which remains in effect until a final, mutually agreed-upon Federal Constitution is adopted. The reality is that the federal system has been repeatedly undermined by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s unilateral decisions, including his blatant disregard for the Provisional Constitution. These actions have directly led to the political standoff between Puntland and the FGS, and Hassan Sheikh is responsible of all the dysfunctions of the Federal Government.
This is not merely a dispute over a ship. It is a larger constitutional crisis. Federalism, if it is to survive in Somalia, must be based on respect for autonomy, legal balance, and mutual accountability — not centralist overreach and political intimidation from Villa Somalia.
Puntland will not allow its stability to be compromised by covert arms deliveries or unconstitutional interference. Puntland reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its people, upholding its Constitution, and defending the foundational principles of the Somali Federal Republic.
Eng. Hassan Haji Said Hassan is a former Puntland minister and Dr. Liban Cigaal is a writer and political analyst. Views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of Somali Stream.
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Dhacdoyin aan la mahdin ayaa ka aburmmi doono
aad iyo aad baan idiinku taageyreynaa fikirkiina saliimka oo aad ku difaaceysaan xaqa puntland u leedahay iney ilaashato dhulkeeda iyo dadkeeda cid kasta oo kusoo xad gudubtana abaalkeeda ay marsiiso.