Bosaso (WDN) — Puntland State was established in 1998 through a consultative agreement among the various regions that now comprise the state. The formation was driven by a desire for stability, governance, and regional autonomy within a federal Somalia. Since the recent establishment of SSC-Khatumo, a new political entity in the northern regions, there has been renewed discussion surrounding governance structures, regional representation, and power-sharing mechanisms.

These conversations aim to address the evolving political landscape, ensure inclusive participation, and potentially redefine the relationship between Puntland and emerging administration of SSC-Khatumo.

There is a mounting pressure being placed on Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni by Barsan political coalition, as calls grow for the official reallocation of 17 parliamentary seats currently held in the name of Sool, Sanaag, Cayn, and Khatumo (SSCK) regions.

The Barsan alliance—comprised of traditional elders and members of parliament from the Bari and Sanaag regions—has demanded transparency from President Deni on how the seats will now be redistributed among Puntland clans, in light of SSCK’s recent recognition as a federal member state.

“This is a defining moment,” said a Member of Parliament from Bari, speaking to WDN on condition of anonymity. “Now that SSCK has gained formal recognition as a federal member state, their continued presence in Puntland’s parliament is not only redundant—it’s unconstitutional. Representation cannot be duplicated across two different administrations.”

The MP added, “The same principle applies to ministers from SSCK who are still serving in the Puntland cabinet. Once a region gains federal membership, it relinquishes its role in Puntland’s political structure. Maintaining those posts is no longer legally or politically defensible.”

Tensions around the issue have been building since 2023, when SSCK elders refused to nominate MPs for the new Puntland parliament, challenging Deni’s push for one-person, one-vote elections. Their decision was supported by the Barsan bloc, leading to the reinstatement of the traditional 66-seat power-sharing arrangement.

At the time, President Deni backed away from his proposed electoral reforms to avoid political fragmentation. “We chose unity over escalation,” said a senior Barsan elder. “But that compromise came with the understanding that outdated entitlements would eventually be corrected.”

The issue is now back at the forefront, particularly as clans that have long been politically sidelined in Puntland see an opportunity for inclusion. If the SSCK-linked seats are vacated, it would mark the first time these clans could claim seats in parliament and potentially cabinet posts.

“Many communities in Puntland have been excluded from power-sharing structures since the 1998 founding of the state,” said political analyst Asha Farah. “This development could correct a longstanding imbalance—if it’s handled fairly.”

The Barsan coalition has also echoed President Deni’s recent proposal to dismantle the three-clan formula that has dominated Puntland’s presidency for decades. They argue that a more representative political framework is necessary to ensure Puntland’s stability in the face of internal divisions and changing federal dynamics.

“There is no going back,” said another MP aligned with Barsan. “SSCK cannot be part of Puntland’s government while simultaneously holding federal member state status. The constitution must prevail.”

The Puntland presidency has not yet issued an official response, but insiders say the matter is under serious review. Political observers believe how Deni handles this transition could define his legacy—and determine the shape of Puntland’s future.

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