Thursday, May 21, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Puntland Government has announced that it no longer recognizes Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the legitimate president of Somalia, declaring that the Federal Government has lost the legal mandate under which it was elected.
The statement came as Puntland authorities welcomed resolutions issued by the “Future of Somalia Council,” amid escalating political tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu.
According to Puntland officials, the regional cabinet agreed that Somali stakeholders — particularly influential political and community leaders — should urgently convene to discuss what it described as the country’s “uncertain future” and worsening political direction.
Puntland also warned foreign governments and international organizations against entering into agreements with what it called an “unconsented administration,” arguing that such deals could undermine their long-term interests and legitimacy in Somalia.
The regional administration further condemned what it described as Federal Government actions involving land seizures, forced displacement, and the detention of individuals holding opposing political views.
The latest declaration marks a significant escalation in the long-running dispute between Puntland and the Federal Government, raising fresh concerns over political fragmentation and constitutional tensions in Somalia.