Press release

Bosaso, Puntland, 6th February 2025 — The people of Puntland have long been victims of terrorist acts by ISIS, which have claimed the lives of prominent figures and many citizens. They have also extorted and looted businesses and public property. In a ruthless manner, they burned down commercial centers in the city of Bosaso, instilling fear in the community and forcing some people to flee the country with their children and belongings. The people of Puntland have long awaited the day when members of the ISIS group hiding in the Calmiskaad Mountains would face justice, expell from the land that is not theirs, and be completely eradicated from Puntland. Today, the people of Puntland are relieved to see their brave forces enter the terrorists’ hideouts, demonstrating to the Somali people and the world that the threat emerging from the Calmiskaad Mountains posed a serious danger not only to the Horn of Africa but to the entire world. The Puntland Non-State Actors Association commends the decisive actions taken by the Puntland government and salutes the bravery of the Puntland defence forces. We pray to Allah for mercy upon those who have been martyred and wishes a swift recovery for the injured. The Puntland Non-State Actors Association congratulates the people of Puntland, especially the honorable women and youth, for their remarkable organization and for donating their blood to support their brave forces. There is no doubt that Puntland’s Hillaac counter-terrorism operation is a patriotic and noble mission. Anyone who opposes or fails to support does not understand the danger and consequences posed by these extremist groups that have invaded our nation. We call on the people of Puntland, both at home and abroad, to stand firmly with their brave forces, provide them with urgent support, and donate blood. We must recognize that our dignity lies in the eradication of ISIS and any group that has violated the land and honor of the Somali people. Finally, it should be noted that Puntland has withstood a brutal attack launched by foreigners and militants against our nation, and it stands as a shield for the Somali people. Click here to download the PDF

Bulshada rayidka ee Galmudug iyo Puntland waxay aad uga xunyihiin colaadaha sokeeye ee mudada sanad iyo barka ku dhow ka socday qaybo kamid ah deegaanada gobolka Mudug kaasoo ay ka dhalatay khasaaro Naf iyo Maalba leh, waxayna colaadahaasi ay barakiciyeen dad badan oo maato ah. Waxaan ka tacsiyeynaynaa intii ku dhamatay iyadoo aan caafimaad u rajaynayno inta ku dhaawacantay.Bulshada reer Mudug waa dad wada dhashay oo walaalo ah isla markaana uu ka dhexeeyo Dal iyo Deegaan uu ilaahay ku wada abuuray, waxayna mudanyihiin in ay ugu noolaadaan si nabad ah oo ay iska kaashaadaan horumarkooda. Bulshada Rayidka ee Puntland iyo Galmudug waxay soo dhoweynayaan dadaalada iyo waan-waanta nabadeed ee ay wadaan Maamuladda, Isimada iyo waxgaradka Galmudug iyo Puntland, waxaana rajaynaynaynaa inay guulaystaan lagana gaaro xal waara oo ay ku naalloodaan bulshada walaalaha ah ee ku dhaqan gobolka Mudug. Hadaba, waxaan si wada jir ugu baaqaynaa qodobada soo socda:- 1- In si degdeg ah loo kala qaado ciidamada is hor fadhiya si looga baaqsado isku dhac walba oo iman kara. 2- In la dadajiyo dadaalada nabadeed ee la doonayo in xal waara looga gaaro colaadaha soo noqnoqday. 3- Waxaan ugu baaqaynaa dhinacyada khilaafka iyo dirirtu dhex martay inay ilaaliyaan walaaltinimada ka dhaxaysa una diyaar garoobaan wadahadal dhab ah oo arintaas xal kama dambays ah looga gaaro. 4- Isimada Puntland iyo Galmudug waxaan ugu baaqaynaa inay si wadajir ah isaga kaashadaan heshiisiinta beelaha walaalaha ah, dhex dhigaana nabad waarta. 5- Dowladaha Galmudug & Puntland waa inay qayb lixaad leh ka qaataan dadaalada nabadaynta ee lagu doonayo in xal waara looga gaaro xiisadda galbeedka gobolka Mudug. 6- Hay’adaha Samafalka iyo Bulshada Soomaaliyeedba waa inay u gurmadaan qoysaska danyarta ah ee ku barakacay colaadaha sokeeye ee deegaanadaas muddada ka aloosnaa ayna kafaalo qaadaan agoonta iyo dadka nugulka ah. Wabillaahi Towfiiq Click here to download the PDF

PUNSAA extends a warm reception to Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni’s call for Dialogue and Political Resolution in Federal-Puntland Relations. Garoowe, 25th September 2024 — The Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) extends its enthusiastic support for the recent call by Puntland President, Mr. Said Abdullahi Deni, calling for dialogue and a political resolution to the ongoing conflict between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Puntland State.PUNSAA perceives this initiative as a pivotal moment to narrow the divide between these entities and transcend the current political impasse, which detrimentally affects Somalia’s state-building efforts and the well-being of the Somali populace. We firmlybelieve that constructive dialogue and mutual understanding are paramount to fostering national development and unity.In this light, PUNSAA calls upon both parties to prioritize approaches that facilitate meaningful negotiations and critical consultations aimed at achieving a harmonious consensus. These discussions must be anchored in principles of sincerity, patience,and goodwill to cultivate a durable and equitable agreement for the nation’s future.It is unequivocal that ongoing political conflicts undermine national unity, impede nation-building, and obstruct solutions to pressing issues confronting Somali society, such as poverty, insecurity, corruption, unemployment, and regional instability in the Horn of Africa. PUNSAA also endorses President Deni’s proposal for an inclusive forum for discussions and emphasizes the necessity of involving civil society in these crucial negotiations. This involvement is essential to ensure transparency and to directly address issues impacting the future and the lives of the Somali people.PUNSAA stands ready to facilitate any efforts aimed at resolving the political conflicts that hinder the seamless progression of state-building in Somalia. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, stability, and progress. Lastly, we earnestly urge the Federal Government of Somalia to embrace Puntland’s call with an open heart and to swiftly initiate genuine dialogue between both sides, fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity. Click here to download the PDF

Waxaa foolxumo iyo masuuliyad darro weyn ah in muwaadiniinta reer Puuntland u dhintaan si micno darro ah iyadoo laga baaqsan karo falalka liddiga ku ah amniga iyo badqabka muwaadiniinta. Falkii maanta ka dhacay caasumada Puntland ee Garowe wuxuu ahaa mid aan marnaba la aqbali karin, waxayna Dallada Bulshada Rayidka ka digaysaa ku xad gudubka xuquuqda iyo sharafta dadweynaha, iyadoo waajib ay tahay in lala xisaabtamo falalka gurracan cidda masuuliyadeeda leh. Waxaan ku baaqaynaa in la joojiyo wax kasta oo xaalad amni darro abuuri karta taasoo ay ugu weyntahay isticmaalka awoodda, hadalada xanafta leh iyo si xun u adeegsiga barasha bulshada. Ugu dambayn, PUNSAA waxay ka tacsiyeynaysaa muwaadinadii ku geeriyootay dhacdada maanta iyadoo Caafimaad degdeg ah u rajaynaysa intii ku dhaawacantay. Mahadsanadiin Dallada Ururada Bulshada Rayidka Puntland (PUNSAA)

During the two meetings held on October 2 and 5 with PEC, the Commission expressed their intent to cooperate and provide counsel on navigating the transitional phase and effectively implementing a consensus-based election. It is essential to clarify that the PEC committee is solely responsible for the scheduling of the election process and determining its timing. However, this wa not within the scope of discussions between Civil Society Organizations and the Puntland Electoral Commission. We recommend that disagreements in opinions regarding the election procedures to be addressed through constructive dialogue, striving to reach a mutually acceptable solution that aligns with the people’s will. PUNSAA stands prepared to facilitate and play a pivotal role in any endeavors aimed at resolving political conflicts pertaining to elections

October 4th, 2023- PUNSAA commends the establishment of the local councils after the local government elections recently held in 30 districts where the people of Puntland elected their local representatives in a democratic election. As stipulated by article 44 of the Puntland Law on Regional Administration, the local councils should be seated after 30 days when the election results are ratified by the Higher Court of Puntland. The people of Puntland participated in the popular elections to affirm their commitment toward multiparty democracy enshrined in the founding charter of Puntland 25 years ago, and to elect their representatives. The local government elections began on October 25, 2021, the process went through different stages and faced several challenges, finally the local government elections were held in the majority of the districts on 25 May 2023, however there are still some districts in which voter registration was held where elections are not held. The democratization process of Puntland aims at maintaining social equality, inclusive participation, promoting good governance, fighting corruption and maintaining unity. In order to ensure this, the general principles, the constitution, laws and the rules of the state should be upheld by all stakeholders including government, political parties, political stakeholders and the various sections of the society. The civil society of Puntland wishes to emphasize that during the establishment of local councils and election of district mayors, that transparency is maintained, and the laws and guidelines be adhered to, and the institutions with the mandate be given priority in implementation. The civil society urges that all stakeholders avoid anything that can cause conflict and instability in the people of Puntland. PUNSAA is concerned about the process of seating the local council of Bosaso district on 3 October 2023, we urge that the disagreement be resolved through dialogue, negotiation and compromise and to avoid any actions that may cause insecurity, and which can hinder the will of the people in getting a representative local council.  Finally, PUNSAA regrets the renewed conflict in Mudug region between the two brotherly communities, and calls on the Puntland and Galmudug states, the elders, and different sectors of society to participate in resolving the hostilities between the two communities in Mudug region.

Puntland None State Actors Association (PUNSAA) expresses deep sadness and concern over the disturbing events unfolding in the city of Garowe, which pose a threat to the honour, governance, and unity of Puntland, and in Somalia general. PUNSAA strongly condemns the violence witnessed in the city and urges the intellectuals, traditional leaders and all the people of Puntland to join forces in resolving the security crisis in the capital. PUNSAA emphasizes that resorting to armed conflict to settle political disputes is never acceptable. Instead, PUNSAA calls for dialogue to resolve the conflict, ensuring the active involvement of civil society in preserving the unity and solidarity of the people of Puntland. Furthermore, PUNSAA raises concerns about the adverse impact of the ongoing conflict on the functioning of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and commercial establishments. The safety of their operations is compromised, and the movement and livelihoods of the people are severely affected. Considering these developments, PUNSAA urges all stakeholders to actively participate in finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the political and security conflict. PUNSAA emphasises the need for inclusivity, open dialogue, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the well-being and stability of Puntland. PUNSAA remains committed to advocating for peace, unity, and the protection of human rights in Puntland. The organisation urges the authorities, community leaders, and citizens to work together to address current challenges and foster a harmonious and prosperous future for Puntland.

Civil Society response to the National Consultative Council (NCC) Communique­ Garowe, May 31, 2023: Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA), driven by its core values and commitment to good governance, accountability and the unity of the Somali nation, urges that the statebuilding process of Somalia and its crucial decisions are made through wide consensus and agreement between all stakeholders based on the spirit and principles of the constitution. Puntland civil society recognizes that the decisions made by the National Consultative Council (NCC) fall short of providing a comprehensive remedy to the persistent political conflicts that have plagued our nation. These decisions have engendered a feeling of hopelessness from the community in reaching viable solutions to the ongoing statebuilding challenges, and in maintaining the unity of the Somali people. The communique and the annex document which were released by the NCC on 27 May appeared to lack acknowledgment of the evolving dynamics and diverse stages which constituted the establishment of the federal system in Somalia. PUNSAA warmly embraces the adoption of universal suffrage through multi-party system across the entire nation, exemplified by the successful local government elections conducted in Puntland. This achievement serves as a testament that such elections can be effectively organized nationwide, provided there is unwavering commitment from the country’s leadership, the enactment of appropriate legislations, and the establishment of conducive conditions to ensure its smooth implementation. PUNSAA strongly warns against any disregard for the Constitution of the Federal Government and the Member States within the Federal Government of Somalia. It is vital to recognize that the constitutional process is still ongoing, with several crucial issues remaining to be agreed upon. The proposal to extend the terms of the Federal Government and State Governments poses a significant risk of political instability in the country, potentially derailing progress and causing undesirable repercussions. Additionally, it is incumbent upon both Houses of the Federal Parliament to fulfill their constitutional duties by safeguarding the nation’s Constitution and abstaining from any actions that could undermine the standing and responsibilities entrusted to them by the Somali people. Therefore, PUNSAA presents the following propositions: # # # PUNSAA is an association that is comprised of over 100 civil society organizations in Puntland. It is intended to harmonize, coordinate and represent the voices and aspirations of Puntland non-state actors and contribute to the wider debate on Somalia’s statebuilding process.

Puntland None State Actors Association (PUNSAA) expresses its appreciation for the unwavering commitment displayed by the elders and intellectuals Puntland particularly in Nugaal region who have made remarkable efforts to ensure that inclusive elections occur in Puntland. We commend their dedication and perseverance.We commend the significant percentage of the population reaching 93.4% who have obtained their voter registration cards, We wholeheartedly encourage and motivate them to actively participate in the upcoming elections ensuring a high turnout across all 30 districts scheduled for May 25, 2023. Regrettably, we acknowledge the unfortunate circumstances that prevented the elections in the districts of Garowe, Dangorayo, and Godobjiran to be delayed. We highly encourage the Voters, the Government, Security agencies, and Political Association to work on intensifying security and election transparency. To ensure transparency and address any concerns, PUNSAA has established the Electon Situation Room (ESR) which will diligently collect election data and handle voter complaints. During this critical period of elections, we urge the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) to maintain impartiality and refrain from interfering with the competing political associations and to ensure the independence and integrity of the electoral process.

Dallada Ururrada Bulshada Rayidka (PUNSAA) ee Puntland waxay aad uga walaacsan tahay cadaadiska lagu hayo dadka barakacayaasha ah ee ku nool degmooyinka iyo meelaha kale ee ay ka dhacayso doorashada golayaaasha deegaanka ee loo qorsheeyey inay qabsoonto 25ka Bishan May 2023. PUNSAA ayaa iskaashi kala yeelatay Xafiiska Difaacaha Xuquuqda Aadanaha Puntland in la xaqiijiyo dhawrista xuquuqda muwaadiniinta, gaar ahaan in meel looga soo wada jeesto wax ka qabashada dhibaatada ka dhalatay ololaha doorashada ee ay wajahayaan barakacayaashu. Cabashooyinka Dalladdu ay ka heshay dadka dhibtu gaartay iyo warbixinnada ay saxaafadda u soo bandhigeen ee muujinaya heerka cadaadiska iyo isticmaalka awoodeed ee loo adeegsanayo barakacayaasha si loogu khasbo in loo yeeriyo cidda ay u codaynayaan, waa wax aan la aqbali karin. Arrimaha dhacay waa kuwo ka hor imaanaya Dastuurka, xeerarka doorashada iyo hababka anshaxa ee doorashada golayaasha deegaanka. Codku waa xaq Dastuuri ah oo qofku leeyahay, qof walbana wuxuu xaq u leeyahay inuu si xor ah u doorto cidda uu doonayo. Barakacayaashuna waa muwaadiniin xaq u leh in ay codeeyaan, doortaanna cidda ay doonayaan in ay metesho. Looma adeegsan karo awood aan waafaqsanayn nidaamka doorshada, la iskumana xiri karo xaqooda nololeed ee asaasiga ah iyo kooda doorashada sida dhacday maalmihii tegay. Waxaan u soo jeedinaynaa Daneeyayaasha doorashada, Ururada Siyaasadda iyo Dawladda in ay caddeeyaan mawqifkooda ku aadan arrintan isla markaasna tallaabo deg deg ah oo isla xisaabtan ah laga qaado ciddii falalka noocaan ahi ku caddaado. Guji, War-saxaafadeedka oo daabacan.