GAROWE, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The presidents of Puntland and Jubaland have issued a joint statement strongly condemning what they described as the “weaponisation of development aid” and the “abuse of air traffic management” by Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.
The statement followed three-day of high-level meetings in Garowe between Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe).
The two leaders warned that Somalia faces the risk of descending into total conflict unless urgent corrective action is taken.
The joint communique on Thursday highlighted renewed cooperation between Puntland and Jubaland, marking a significant shift in relations between the two federal member states, which have been at odds since 2022.
Their alliance now centers around a shared opposition to policies implemented by the federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The two leaders called for an inclusive federal government that promotes peace, stability, and constitutional integrity.
They rejected what they described as unilateral constitutional amendments made by the federal government in 2023 and 2024, declaring them illegitimate in the absence of a national referendum.
“Puntland and Jubaland strongly reject and do not recognise the amendments to the federal constitution,” the statement read. “The only legal path to constitutional reform is through a referendum.”
Both states reaffirmed their commitment to their respective state constitutions and urged other federal member states to hold timely elections and establish independent state-level electoral commissions.
The leaders also praised Puntland’s recent security operations against ISIS, stating that united Somali efforts can effectively defend the country against terrorist threats. They also expressed support for the opposition coalition known as the Salvation Forum, recently launched in Mogadishu.
Puntland and Jubaland accused the federal government of exploiting development aid to marginalize political opponents, asserting that aid distribution has been politicized and used as a tool of coercion.
“Any process that is not inclusive will not be recognised by Puntland and Jubaland,” they declared.
In addition, the joint statement raised alarm over the alleged misuse of air traffic management by federal authorities to disrupt civilian flights, particularly to regions under opposition control such as Gedo and Kismayo in Jubaland.
They claimed that the suspension of these flights has severely impacted the movement of people and humanitarian assistance.
According to the statement, a formal complaint has been submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the conduct of Somalia’s air traffic authorities.
The renewed alliance between Puntland and Jubaland is seen as a challenge to Mogadishu’s central authority amid growing political fragmentation and a deepening rift within Somalia’s federal system.