PDF statement on agreement of intent to form new central Somalia regional administration
Ref: PDF/011160
Date: August 4th, 2014
On July 30th 2014, The Somali Federal Government held a signing ceremony for an agreement of intent to form a new interim regional administration in central Somalia consisting of the Galgadud and Mudug regions.
Puntland Diaspora Forum (PDF) expresses grave concerns regarding this agreement and seeks immediate clarification from the Somali Government and signatories from the International Community.
PDF seeks clarifications on the composition of the new interim administration at the district level. Mudug is a vast region and significant districts of Mudug region, including the city of Galkacyo are integral part of Puntland State of Somalia. The unqualified reference to “Mudug” in this agreement has raised tensions and has the potential to create a renewed violence in the county.
PDF calls on the Federal Government of Somalia and signatories from the International Community to clarify the term “Mudug” as referenced in the aforementioned agreement. Not doing so could be interpreted as a direct infringement on the borders of Puntland State of Somalia and could lead to new hostilities in the region.
PDF supports and welcomes the formation of Federal Member States in accordance with the Provisional Constitution. As defined by Article 49 (sections 5 and 6), Federal Member State must consist of the voluntary merging of two or more regions as they existed before 1991.
PDF notes that this interim regional administration does not meet this constitutional requirement and cannot be the basis for a Federal Member State.
PDF is concerned with the deteriorating relationship between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia. We call on the Federal Government and the Government of Puntland to open communication channels and resolve differences through dialogue within the framework of the constitution.
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