Statement from SSC Traditional Leaders

 

Puntland's Battle for a Stronger Somalia: 11 Key Concerns in the State Building Process

The state-building process in Somalia has faced numerous challenges, and Puntland, one of the key states, has brought forward several critical concerns in its argument with the Federal Government. These eleven points highlight the areas that require immediate attention and address the complexities of governance, inclusivity, and fairness necessary for a successful state-building process. 

1. Regional Disparities: Puntland highlights the varying stages of economic recovery and development across different regions within Somalia. The allocation of resources should consider these disparities to ensure a fair distribution of resources, fostering equitable progress throughout the nation. 
2. Unilateral Arming of Clans: Puntland expresses concerns about the Federal Government's unilateral arming of certain clans without proper screening or vetting processes. This practice poses a threat to national security and stability, emphasizing the need for inclusive and unbiased security forces. 
3. Improper Auctioning of Petroleum Blocks: Puntland strongly objects to the Federal Government's improper auctioning of Somalia's petroleum blocks to foreign firms without adequate consultation and agreement. Collaborative efforts should be undertaken to manage this vital economic sector and ensure the interests of all Somalis are considered. 
4. Education and Scholarships: Puntland raises concerns about the unfair treatment of Puntland students by the Federal Education Authorities, particularly regarding grants, scholarships, and job opportunities. Equal access to quality education and opportunities must be ensured for all students, regardless of their regional affiliation. 
5. Purge of Federal Employees: Puntland criticizes the continuous removal of Federal employees from Puntland without proper justification. This practice violates the principles of the Clan Power-sharing arrangement and undermines trust between the Federal Government and Puntland, necessitating fair representation and equal opportunities for all regions. 
6. Jurisdiction and Control: Puntland highlights the Federal Government's lack of control over various parts of the capital, Mogadishu, and other regions. They emphasize the importance of completing the Federal Constitution and establishing agreed-upon legal frameworks before transferring jurisdiction, ensuring stability, security, and effective governance. 
7. Lack of Consensus: Puntland emphasizes the requirement for political agreement by consensus between member states, as stipulated by the Federal Constitution. The current disregard for this requirement erodes the federal governance structure's foundations, hindering progress. Meaningful consensus-building processes must be prioritized to include the input of all states. 
8. Lack of Inclusion in Resource Planning: Puntland raises concerns about the absence of member state experts in the planning and allocation of federal resources. Inclusive resource planning is crucial for addressing regional disparities, promoting equitable development, and fostering cooperation between the Federal Government and member states. 
9. Somaliland's Participation: Puntland points out the participation of Somaliland in the resource-sharing mechanism without its presence or submission of inputs during allocation discussions. Fiscal federalism principles should be upheld, ensuring fair representation and meaningful contributions from all regions. 
10. Meeting Costs: Puntland suggests considering alternate meeting locations in peaceful regions of Somalia to reduce the significant living and security costs incurred by delegates from Federal Member States. This approach would alleviate financial burdens and facilitate inclusive participation. 
11. Need for Political Consensus: Puntland emphasizes the importance of political consensus and collective decision-making in the Federal governance structure. Given Somalia's federal system with three levels of government, major decisions should be made through consensus-building, recognizing the contributions of all stakeholders. 

Conclusion: The concerns raised by Puntland in its argument with the Federal Government are crucial for the state-building process in Somalia. Addressing these concerns, such as regional disparities, fair resource allocation, inclusive decision-making, and equal opportunities for all, is vital for fostering unity, stability, and progress.