Garowe (WDN) – In a bold and direct rebuttal, the Puntland administration has publicly rejected an invitation to participate in a national conference announced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, calling into question the president’s credibility and accusing him of undermining Somalia’s fragile constitutional order for political gain.
During a press briefing held in Garowe on Eid morning, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Maxamuud Aydid Dirir, stated unequivocally that Puntland would not attend the proposed talks unless Villa Somalia reversed the unilateral constitutional amendments recently enacted by the federal government. Puntland demands a return to the original, consensus-based provisional constitution that was agreed upon by all Federal Member States (FMS) and stakeholders.
“President Hassan Sheikh must come to terms with the fact that his administration is nearing the end of its term,” said Minister Dirir. “Instead of imposing a presidential constitution through executive fiat, he should prioritize dialogue around a credible, inclusive election framework based on the original constitutional consensus.”
Dirir’s remarks laid bare what many regional leaders and political observers have privately alleged for months: that President Hassan Sheikh is using constitutional reform as a vehicle to centralize power and prolong his rule, all while preaching federalism and democratic participation.
The minister also criticized the official invitation letter issued by Villa Somalia, describing it as “incoherent and vague.” According to Dirir, the letter failed to clarify who was invited, who was excluded, and on what constitutional or legal grounds the conference was being organized. He dismissed the document as a political stunt rather than a serious attempt at national dialogue.
“This is not a genuine effort to bring stakeholders together,” Dirir said. “It’s a smokescreen to legitimize unconstitutional changes and bypass the very people and institutions that are supposed to be partners in Somalia’s federal project.”
The timing of the president’s call for a national dialogue has further fueled skepticism. Just months before the end of his term, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has been aggressively pushing a controversial constitutional overhaul that eliminates key checks and balances, shifts the system to a fully presidential model, and dilutes the power of the Federal Member States. This, critics say, stands in stark contrast to his 2022 campaign promises to uphold federalism and respect the autonomy of regional governments.
“It’s the height of hypocrisy,” said one Puntland official who asked not to be named. “You cannot unilaterally tear up the constitution, then turn around and invite people to a ‘consultative conference’ as if you’re seeking consensus. The damage has already been done.”
This is not the first time President Hassan Sheikh has faced accusations of centralizing power and sidelining the federal model. Since returning to office, his administration has dissolved independent commissions, marginalized the Upper House of Parliament, and orchestrated political reshuffles that favor allies from his own clan base — all while continuing to campaign on the rhetoric of unity and constitutional reform.
Puntland’s firm rejection of the upcoming conference signals deepening political divisions and foreshadows a potential constitutional crisis. Already, Puntland has distanced itself from federal processes over the past year, citing repeated violations of intergovernmental agreements and a lack of transparency in national decision-making.
The continued erosion of trust between Villa Somalia and the Federal Member States could derail any prospects for a peaceful transition of power in 2026.
For now, Puntland remains adamant: no dialogue without constitutional reversal. And with growing calls from other regions for greater transparency and equity in federal relations, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud may soon find that his attempts to consolidate power have only widened Somalia’s political fault lines.
WardheerNews
Leave a Reply