Garowe (SD) – A statement from the Puntland regional government clarified their position on the extension of the term of the outgoing parliamentarians by the federal government of Somalia.

“The Government of Puntland stands for the principles of Puntland Statehood in accordance with the Puntland Constitution and the Constitution of the Federal Government which Puntland is a member. The Puntland government also safeguards the destiny of Somalia’s federal and democratic state-building process.” said the statement.

Puntland said in a statement that it did not recognize the two-year extension of the federal government’s mandate and the election law passed by lawmakers.

“Following the illegal move by some members of the House of the People whose term ended on 26 December 2020 announced the extension of 12 April 2021 to the constitutional institutions of the Federal Government.

Puntland councils consulted on the current state of affairs in the country.

The Puntland Government has also consulted with political parties, civil society, academics and other segments of Puntland society.” said the statement.

The statement from Puntland stated that the September 17 agreement was the only way to reach an agreement on the country’s election process.

“In the event that there is no return to the negotiating table, the Government of Puntland, in accordance with the decisions of the Puntland Conference on 17 March 2020, Puntland will share with the Somali people and the international community the appropriate steps that can be taken to safeguard the destiny of state-building in Somalia and the private interests of the Government and the people of Puntland.” said Puntland.

Finally, Puntland called on the signatories of the September 17 agreement, political stakeholders and representatives of the international community to return to the negotiating table to end the state of uncertainty.