GAROWE (Kaab TV) – Puntland State has on Tuesday launched deliberations to amend the Local Councils Law, commonly referred to as Law No. 7, aiming to strengthen decentralization and improve governance structures.
A consultation meeting focused on key provisions of Law No. 7 is underway in Garowe, the capital of Puntland.
The discussion brings together the Puntland Ministry of Interior, district council chairpersons recently elected through popular votes, members of the Puntland House of Representatives, and representatives from civil society organizations.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, Mr. Abdirisaaq Jama Taraag, emphasized that the discussions align with recommendations from the 54th parliamentary session and follow-up meetings held with the Ministry of Interior during the 55th session.
These efforts aim to reform decentralization processes and address existing administrative challenges.
“We are yet to finalize crucial legislation for Puntland’s decentralization. However, I am optimistic that this meeting will pave the way for completing policies necessary to strengthen governance across different levels,” stated Mr. Abdirisaaq Jama Taraag.
Earlier this year, Puntland successfully held one-person-one-vote elections, leading to the establishment of new district councils. The ongoing discussions focus on the financial burden posed by the large number of council members and the need to align Law No. 7 with the realities of the newly elected councils.
Minister of Interior, Abdi Farah Said (Juxa), stressed the importance of amending the law to empower communities while ensuring that council chairpersons do not concentrate power.
“Article 29 does not reflect the democratic principles of Puntland. As elected local councils, you must advocate for democracy. A council elected by the people has the right to appoint its district mayor,” said Minister Juxa.
Among the proposals raised by council members is the need to end the Ministry of Interior’s appointment of district secretaries, advocating for local-level decision-making instead. They also called for a reduction in the number of council members to alleviate financial constraints on the government.
Minister Juxa insisted that central government responsibilities, including security, administration, and taxation, must remain intact. He also raised concerns about proposed changes to how tax revenues are managed and the degree of autonomy districts should have over their financial resources.
The outcome of these discussions is expected to shape Puntland’s governance framework and ensure that decentralization efforts meet the needs of its growing democratic institutions.