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On September 7, 2025, the Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA), in collaboration with the Puntland House of Representatives, hosted a crucial consultation meeting in Garowe. The event brought together members of Parliament, the Secretary General of the House, several department directors, PUNSAA staff, and representatives from diverse civil society organizations, particularly youth groups and university students. The consultation focused on strengthening collaboration between citizens—especially youth and student organizations—and legislative institutions, with the aim of promoting meaningful youth participation in democratic processes and decision-making. During the meeting, the House of Representatives presented a summary report on its activities and achievements over the past two years, outlining its various stages of progress. This transparency and accountability measure provided civil society with valuable insights into parliamentary performance. Importantly, youth and student representatives were given the opportunity to engage directly with Members of Parliament. They asked critical questions and shared their concerns, to which MPs responded openly. This exchange encouraged accountability and fostered direct interaction between citizens and their elected representatives. By organizing this consultation, PUNSAA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration, accountability, and the role of civil society in advancing Puntland’s democratic governance.

Garowe, Puntland – 9th July 2025 In a meaningful dialogue aimed at fostering regional development, representatives of Puntland’s civil society met with the UK Ambassador to Somalia in Garowe to review ongoing collaboration and future opportunities. During the meeting, civil society leaders presented a comprehensive overview of UK-supported programs in Puntland, with a focus on governance, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. The discussion reflected mutual appreciation for the UK’s valuable contributions while candidly addressing remaining gaps in both humanitarian and developmental sectors. The Ambassador reiterated the UK’s commitment to inclusive partnerships and sustainable progress, commending civil society’s role in strengthening local engagement and accountability. This engagement marks a reaffirmation of shared goals between Puntland’s civil society and international partners, laying a foundation for deeper collaboration in advancing peace and prosperity in the region.

The national budget is not just a financial document—it’s a reflection of public priorities, rights, and development goals. But for a budget to be truly inclusive, it must be shaped with input from the people it affects. This raises a critical question: Are there formal mechanisms that empower citizens to meaningfully participate in budget-making? PUNSAA Leads the Conversation In a timely and inclusive consultation meeting held at Martisoor Hotel, the Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) took the lead in facilitating dialogue between citizens and government officials. The session focused on public participation in budgeting processes, transparency, and accountability. During the discussion, the Director from the Ministry of Finance engaged the audience by posing powerful questions to spark debate and reflection, such as: This engagement underscored the Ministry’s willingness to listen—and PUNSAA’s role in bridging the gap between state institutions and civil society. What Mechanisms Exist to Empower Citizens? The meeting explored practical approaches that could support or strengthen citizen participation, including: 1. Participatory Budgeting Citizens directly identify and prioritize how a portion of the public budget is spent—typically at the community level—choosing between investments like roads, water systems, or health services. 2. Public Consultations and Forums Like the one organized by PUNSAA, public forums give citizens a platform to express their needs and opinions directly to policymakers. 3. Community Representation Involving local leaders and civil society organizations in budget committees can help ensure decisions reflect community priorities. 4. Digital Engagement Tools Online surveys, SMS platforms, and social media consultations are low-cost ways to expand participation—especially among youth and marginalized groups. Barriers to Public Participation Despite the interest, challenges remain: Conclusion Citizen participation in budgeting is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for democratic governance. By hosting this meeting, PUNSAA has demonstrated the power of civil society to foster dialogue, accountability, and inclusive decision-making. As one participant put it, “A budget without the people is a plan without purpose.” So, are there formal mechanisms? Yes—but they must be strengthened, institutionalized, and made accessible to all.

On April 15, 2025, the Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) hosted a significant consultative forum in Garowe in collaboration with the Puntland House of Representatives. The forum brought together Members of Parliament, the Secretary General of the House, PUNSAA’s Chairperson, and representatives from various civil society organizations. Opening Remarks The forum was officially opened by Hon. Yasin Jama Omar, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. In his address, he emphasized the Parliament’s commitment to close collaboration with civil society. He highlighted the importance of incorporating citizens’ perspectives in legislative processes and announced that similar forums would be held in other regions of Puntland to strengthen interaction between Parliament and the public. Focus of the Forum The forum focused on enhancing cooperation between citizens and legislative institutions, especially the House of Representatives, to promote democratic participation and inclusive decision-making processes. It aimed to strengthen the role of civil society in governance, policy dialogue, and public accountability. Outcomes and Commitments PUNSAA’s Chairperson, Abdirahman Abdirisaq Abdirahman, noted that the forum resulted in formal cooperation agreements between civil society organizations and the Puntland Parliament. These agreements are expected to foster long-term collaboration and regular engagement. Representatives from the media, youth groups, women’s organizations, and traditional elders also spoke during the forum. They expressed the urgent need for more dialogue platforms like this and emphasized the importance of institutionalizing regular engagement between civil society and lawmakers. During the forum, Members of Parliament presented a summary report of their recent achievements and activities. This was part of their efforts to ensure transparency and encourage public scrutiny of their work. Citizen Engagement and Accountability The forum concluded with an interactive session where civil society participants directly asked questions to the attending MPs. The MPs responded to the concerns and suggestions raised, promoting a culture of accountability and constructive dialogue between the people and their elected representatives. PUNSAA’s Commitment PUNSAA reaffirmed its dedication to advancing participatory governance in Puntland by fostering continued collaboration, promoting accountability, and strengthening the role of civil society in democratic development.

Bosaso, Puntland – 6 February 2025 – The Puntland Non-State Actors Association also strongly defended the administration of Puntland and its soldiers taking part in the fight against terror. The announcement is after Puntland’s latest operation targeting terror, Hillaac, that is aimed at driving out remnants of ISIS that have taken up residence within Calmiskaad Mountains. A Community Under Siege For years, people of Puntland have been taken captive by terror outfits, led by ISIS, that have unleashed brutal brutality, targeted killing of prominent individuals, and business ransoms. The most recent act of arson on business districts of Bosaso created shock waves within society, making people leave homes to flee to safety elsewhere. But that wait is finally behind us, as Puntland’s forces continue to advance on plans to wipe out terror activities. A Victory for Puntland and the Region PUNSAA’s statement is emphasizing how important is Puntland’s latest move, not only regionally but also on global safety. The success of the operation within Calmiskaad Mountains is testament to the willpower and perseverance of Puntland’s troops defending their native country. The association congratulated the courage of defense troops of Puntland and extended sincere sympathy to those that were murdered within the operation. Public Support and Unity In a spirit of solidarity, PUNSAA recognized that women and youth of Puntland have stepped forward in leaps and bounds, volunteering to donate blood to heal wounded soldiers. The announcement makes it clear that it is every patriot’s duty to contribute to the operation and that complacency is unacceptable where terror is involved. A Call to Action PUNSAA urges each of its citizens within or outside Somalia to provide instant support to its defense forces. The association is of the view that safety and dignity of Puntland lie in eliminating each trace of ISIS and each group that threatens the land and dignity of Somalis. Puntland: A Guard For Somalia The statement reiterates Puntland’s tenacity in the face of external and extremist threats. Puntland has served as Somalia’s stronghold, and the region’s struggle against terrorism is a struggle for peace and security in general. There is just one thing that the people of Puntland agree on as the Hillaac operation goes on: there will never be space for terror on their territory.

The vibrant town of Dhahar recently hosted a district consultation forum, bringing together citizens and duty bearers to discuss pressing local issues and chart a path for development. This significant gathering served as a platform for open dialogue, where community members voiced their concerns, shared insights, and collaboratively explored solutions with local authorities. Key discussions revolved around prioritizing essential services, addressing community challenges, and fostering sustainable growth. Representatives from various segments of society, including elders, women, and youth, actively participated, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in decision-making processes. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships between citizens and leaders to achieve shared development goals for Dhahar.

On December 31, 2024, the town of Bargaal hosted an impactful community consultation forum aimed at bringing together citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the future of their community. This gathering was more than just a meeting; it was a platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, all focused on the betterment of the community. A Call for Unity and Progress The event marked an important step in creating a space where every voice mattered, whether from a community leader or an everyday citizen. The consultation forum was designed to address the town’s ongoing development needs and identify key areas where growth and improvement were most urgently needed. As participants gathered in the heart of Bargaal, there was a shared sense of purpose: to work together to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Topics of Discussion The forum covered a broad range of topics related to development, including infrastructure improvements, educational opportunities, healthcare accessibility, and youth engagement. Through open discussion, community members had the opportunity to raise concerns, share ideas, and propose solutions for tackling the challenges the town faces. Building Stronger Relationships Beyond discussing issues, the forum was about fostering collaboration among local leaders, government officials, and the people of Bargaal. The presence of community leaders ensured that the conversation was directed toward actionable solutions, while the citizens’ active participation reinforced the idea that community development requires collective effort. Key leaders spoke about the importance of transparency and the need for every member of the community to have a voice in the development process. They emphasized that the town’s future depends not only on their leadership but also on the support and contributions of every resident. Next Steps Following the forum, plans will be made to ensure that the topics discussed are not just limited to conversations but will translate into concrete actions. The next steps involve creating working groups to focus on specific areas of development, ensuring that all stakeholders stay engaged and accountable. The community consultation forum was a successful initiative that exemplified the power of collaboration. By bringing together diverse voices, the people of Bargaal demonstrated that with unity and clear goals, challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and development. As 2024 came to a close, the people of Bargaal ended the year with renewed hope, stronger bonds, and a shared commitment to shaping a prosperous future for generations to come. This event will no doubt serve as a catalyst for continued progress in the years ahead.