Thursday, May 21, 2026 -Puntland has declared that it no longer recognizes Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the legitimate head of state, escalating a political dispute with the Federal Government. The regional administration said the federal leadership has lost its legal mandate and called for urgent national dialogue amid rising tensions.
In a statement issued after a regional cabinet meeting, Puntland authorities said the Federal Government of Somalia no longer holds a valid constitutional mandate under which it was elected.
The administration said it supports resolutions issued by what it called the “Future of Somalia Council,” a political platform that has recently gained attention amid rising national political tensions.
According to Puntland officials, the cabinet agreed that Somali political stakeholders, including influential community and political leaders, should urgently convene to discuss what it described as the country’s “uncertain future.”
No immediate response from the Federal Government of Somalia has been issued regarding the declaration.
Warning to International Partners
Puntland also issued a warning to foreign governments and international organizations, advising against entering agreements with what it described as an “unconsented administration” in Mogadishu.
According to the regional government, such agreements could undermine long term political stability and legitimacy frameworks within Somalia.
Officials in Garowe did not provide specific examples of agreements they were referring to, and the federal government has not publicly responded to the claims.
Allegations Against the Federal Government
The Puntland administration accused the Federal Government of involvement in land seizures, forced displacement, and detention of individuals with opposing political views.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
Federal authorities in Mogadishu have previously denied similar accusations and maintain that national institutions operate within constitutional and legal frameworks.
Escalating Political Rift
The announcement marks a significant escalation in the long standing political dispute between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia.
According to political analysts, tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu have been growing over governance arrangements, constitutional interpretation, and resource sharing.
The latest declaration signals a sharp deterioration in relations and raises concerns about the cohesion of Somalia’s federal system.
Puntland, established in 1998, is one of Somalia’s oldest federal member states and has historically maintained a semi autonomous political position within the federal structure.
Relations between Puntland and the Federal Government have frequently been strained over issues including constitutional review processes, elections, and federal authority.
Somalia’s federal system continues to face challenges related to power distribution between the central government and regional administrations.
Political observers expect increased diplomatic engagement from domestic and international actors aimed at preventing further escalation.
There are also expectations of possible mediation efforts involving Somali stakeholders and international partners.
The Federal Government has not yet announced whether it will respond formally to Puntland’s declaration.
Puntland’s move represents one of the most serious political challenges to the Federal Government’s authority in recent years.
If tensions continue to rise, there could be broader implications for national coordination on security, governance, and development programs.
The dispute also highlights ongoing weaknesses in Somalia’s federal arrangement, particularly in defining the balance of power between Mogadishu and regional states.