Garowe (WDN) – Puntland has issued a strongly worded statement reaffirming its exclusive authority over the management, protection, and exploitation of the natural resources found within its land and territorial waters, declaring that no company or entity may operate in the region without its formal approval.

In the statement, the Puntland administration asserted that no investment, commercial operation, or resource-related agreement can legally be undertaken anywhere in Puntland’s territory or maritime domain unless it has been expressly authorized by the state’s competent institutions.

The regional government specifically warned that all companies—whether foreign or domestic—including SOMTURK are prohibited from carrying out activities in Puntland’s waters or on its territory related to fisheries, marine resource development, coastal protection, or any other commercial services without first obtaining official permission from Puntland authorities.

Puntland further challenged the legal authority of the Federal Government of Somalia to issue licenses, concessions, contracts, or investment agreements concerning natural resources located within Puntland. The administration argued that such powers rest exclusively with Puntland under both the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia and the Constitution of Puntland, which it says guarantee the state’s constitutional rights over the management of its natural resources.

The administration also issued a stern warning to companies, investors, and organizations planning to operate in Puntland without prior authorization, stating that anyone found conducting activities without the approval of the regional government would face legal action and regulatory measures in accordance with Puntland’s constitution and applicable laws.

The statement comes at a time of mounting political tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu over the control of Somalia’s natural resources, revenue-sharing arrangements, and the constitutional division of powers between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States.

Puntland’s latest declaration signals that the dispute over resource ownership and constitutional authority is entering a more confrontational phase, with the regional administration making clear that it will vigorously defend what it considers its exclusive constitutional jurisdiction over its land, coastline, and offshore resources.

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