Garowe, PUNTLAND – In a strongly worded press release issued today the government of Puntland has denounced the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) decision to close the consulate of Ethiopia in Garowe. The statement, which reaffirms Puntland’s commitment to advancing its own interests and engaging directly with neighboring countries and international partners, underscores the growing rift between the FGS and the semi-autonomous region.
Central to Puntland’s defiance is the region’s long-standing and multi-faceted relationship with Ethiopia. The press release highlights the “historic relations and time-honored cooperation” between Puntland and Ethiopia, spanning various spheres, including socio-economic development, security, and the movement of people. These deep-rooted ties form the foundation of Puntland’s resistance to the FGS’s decision, which it views as an attempt to undermine the progress and well-being of the Puntland people.
Puntland’s statement directly accuses the FGS of abrogating the Provisional Federal Constitution, which, according to the regional government, served to promote social cohesion, national unity, and state-building in Somalia. This serious allegation suggests that the FGS’s actions are not only detrimental to Puntland’s interests but also to the broader federalist principles enshrined in the constitution.
By framing the FGS’s decision as a violation of the constitution, Puntland is asserting its right to act independently and protect its own interests in the face of what it perceives as a threat to the federal system. This stance is likely to further strain the already tense relationship between the FGS and Puntland, as well as other federal member states that may share similar concerns.
Questioning the Motives of the FGS
Puntland’s press release goes beyond merely condemning the closure of the Ethiopian consulate; it also questions the motives behind the FGS’s decision. The statement characterizes the resolution issued in Mogadishu on April 4, 2024, as one “characterized by enmity” and intended to undermine the progress of the Puntland people and weaken the federal system in Somalia.
This strong language suggests that Puntland views the FGS’s actions as not only misguided but also malicious, aimed at deliberately harming the region and its people. By casting doubt on the intentions of the federal government, Puntland is further justifying its decision to defy the closure order and pursue its own path in engaging with international partners.
In a clear assertion of its autonomy, Puntland’s press release reaffirms the region’s intention to advance its own interests and engage directly with neighboring countries, international partners, and all parties interested in Somali affairs. This statement is a direct challenge to the FGS’s authority and its claim to be the sole representative of Somalia in foreign relations.
Puntland’s insistence on direct engagement with external actors represents a significant departure from the traditional model of foreign relations, where the federal government is expected to take the lead. This move is likely to have far-reaching implications for the balance of power between the FGS and federal member states, as well as for the future of Somalia’s foreign policy.
The Ineffectiveness of the Closure Order
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Puntland’s press release is its unequivocal declaration that the decision to shut down the Ethiopian consulate in Garowe “will not have any bearing” and “does not concern Puntland.” This bold statement underscores the limited authority of the FGS in the region and the challenges it faces in enforcing its decisions.
Puntland’s refusal to comply with the closure order not only undermines the credibility of the FGS but also sets a precedent for other federal member states to follow suit. This open defiance may encourage other regions to assert their own autonomy and challenge the FGS’s authority, further weakening the already fragile federal system in Somalia.
Puntland’s press release in response to the FGS’s decision to close the Ethiopian consulate in Garowe is a clear indication of the deepening divide between the semi-autonomous region and the federal government. By asserting its historic ties with Ethiopia, accusing the FGS of violating the constitution, questioning the motives behind the closure order, and reaffirming its intention to engage directly with international partners, Puntland has thrown down the gauntlet in its struggle for autonomy and self-determination.
As the tensions between the FGS and Puntland continue to escalate, it is evident that a new approach to federal-regional relations is urgently needed. Without a genuine commitment to dialogue, compromise, and respect for the principles of federalism, Somalia risks further fragmentation and instability. The international community must remain engaged and support efforts to foster understanding and cooperation between all stakeholders, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia as a whole.
