GAROWE, Somalia — The Puntland regional government has outlined conditions for taking part in political talks in Mogadishu, signaling growing tensions over Somalia’s ongoing federal and constitutional disputes.
Puntland Interior Minister Abdi Hirsi Ali Qarjab said the administration had long warned its citizens about what it viewed as political disagreements emerging from meetings between Somalia’s Federal Government and regional state leaders.
“The conference you are attending and bringing people together — even if you claim to have the majority — if what is being proposed is wrong, then people should return to their communities,” Qarjab said. “What Puntland has been warning about is now being reflected in Somalia today.”
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed debate over power-sharing, constitutional reforms, and relations between Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal member states.
Qarjab also stressed the importance of international involvement in Somali political negotiations, arguing that external observers or mediators should participate in discussions where Somali leaders remain divided on key political issues.
“When we are discussing matters we do not agree on politically, someone from the international community should sit among us,” he said.
Puntland has previously expressed concerns over the direction of Somalia’s federal system and has at times distanced itself from federal-led political processes in Mogadishu.
The latest comments are expected to deepen scrutiny over the upcoming political conference and whether Somalia’s federal and regional leaders can reach consensus on unresolved national issues.
