Puntland said that no foreign company, private or public, including SOMTURK, can carry out any operations such as fishing investment, coast guard or other activities in the sea and land of Puntland, without prior approval and permission from the relevant institutions in Puntland.
In a press release issued by Puntland, it said that this decision is in accordance with Articles 44, 142, 51, 52, 53 and 54 of the Transitional Federal Constitution of Somalia (2012), as well as Articles 4 and 54 of the Puntland Constitution.
Puntland said that Federal Government institutions do not have the legal authority to issue licenses or enter into investment agreements related to the sea and land of Puntland.
Puntland said that Somalia has adopted a federal system, but negotiations are still ongoing to finalize its structure. It argued that the Federal Constitution provides for cooperation and consultation between the Federal Government and the Regional States, and that national resource issues are managed through negotiation.
The press release also stated that Puntland’s position is based on its Constitution, which states that Puntland’s resources belong to the people of Puntland, and Puntland is responsible for their management and utilization. Puntland added that it will continue to exercise the constitutional powers granted by the Puntland Constitution until the federal system is completed.
Puntland warned that anyone operating in Puntland waters or land without prior permission from Puntland institutions will face investigations and legal action.
