Tuesday July 30, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Minister of Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, has called on Puntland lawmakers to find a solution enabling Puntland to receive its allocated share of federal educational resources. During a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs in the Lower House, Farah emphasized that Puntland's rejection of federal initiatives, including those related to education, is an intractable issue.
"If the issue is about 'I am lacking this' and 'I need more of that,' it is solvable. But when it is 'We have nothing in common, I will not attend meetings, we will not consult, I have my own system, and I do not want anything to go through the Federal Government,' then there is no solution," said Farah.
Lawmakers who met with Farah expressed their belief that the federal government has politically blocked educational projects worth $16 million to which Puntland is entitled. Farah noted that he has repeatedly asked Parliament to find a solution to make Puntland accept the allocation of teachers designated for federal member states. He emphasized that educational matters should not be entangled with political disputes between the Federal Government and Puntland. He clarified that their only aim is for Puntland's education system to be on par with the rest of the country.
Puntland's decision to withdraw recognition of the Federal Government on March 30, 2024, stemmed from constitutional amendments perceived as breaching the federal pact. The amendments introduced direct presidential elections and increased presidential powers, which critics argue could destabilize the federal arrangement.
At the heart of Puntland's legal justifications for withdrawal is its position on Article 142 of the Transitional Federal Constitution, which preserves the powers of pre-existing administrations until constitutional harmonization, and Article 4 of the Puntland Constitution, which empowers Puntland to reconsider its integration if the federal system is compromised. In response to these changes, Puntland declared its intent to operate independently until a more inclusive and representative constitutional framework is established. Puntland also expressed its desire to negotiate directly with the international community on issues related to its interests.
The Somali Federal Government recently restarted development projects in Puntland after political tensions had previously affected ongoing initiatives. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohamud Abdirahman (Benebene) announced the resumption of the Barwaaqo Project and the Somalia Food Systems Resilience Project (SFSRP).
The Barwaaqo Project, launched in January 2023, focuses on water management and infrastructure development. The Somalia Food Systems Resilience Project (SFSRP), launched in June 2023, aims to strengthen food systems, ensure food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Benebene emphasized that the Federal Government is committed to depoliticizing humanitarian and development efforts, ensuring transparency and equity in project implementation. However, Puntland had previously suspended these projects but has now allowed them to resume.
The frosty relationship with Puntland adds to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's challenges, including an insurgency linked to al-Qaeda, a resurgence in piracy, and the need to assert federal authority over the breakaway region of Somaliland.