Puntland holds talks with International Community amid dispute with FGS

In a move highlighting ongoing tensions, Puntland cabinet ministers held discussions on Thursday with representatives from the international community. Representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, and the Federal Foreign Office of Switzerland (SSF) were all present for the talks.

The talks focused on development and humanitarian projects in Puntland, along with strengthening cooperation on these issues, according to Puntland officials.This meeting comes amidst a growing rift between the Somali federal government (FGS) and Puntland over recently passed constitutional changes.

The specific content of the discussions remains unclear, and it is unknown if the meeting addressed the ongoing dispute regarding the contentious constitutional amendments. Notably, Puntland recently boycotted the upcoming National Consultative Council scheduled for April 21-22 in Mogadishu. This council session was intended to discuss the very constitutional amendments causing friction between Puntland and the FGS.

Unconfirmed reports from local media outlets suggest that two other federal member states, Jubbaland and Southwest, will also not be attending the Mogadishu meeting. While these states have cited short notice for the meeting as their reason for absence, local sources suggest their true motivation may be disagreement with the president’s recently passed constitutional amendments.