Somalia’s Puntland Conflict Resolution Committee Navigates Challenges Amidst Political Disagreements

The conflict resolution committee of Somalia’s Puntland state is currently confronted with critical decisions following an advisory from the regional President instructing them to disregard the recommendations put forth by traditional elders regarding the selection of Members of Parliament from specific regions.

This directive from the President has introduced a new layer of complexity to the committee’s collaborative efforts, as reports indicate that some committee members are unwilling to conform to the regional President’s instructions.

The allocation of upcoming lawmakers has emerged as a focal point for political unrest in the region, leading to a notable political divergence between regional President Saed Abdullahi Deni and his deputy, Ahmed Karaash.

The regional President has publicly endorsed the traditional approach of electing 66 MPs, while his deputy advocates for a 49-member formula, particularly in response to the non-participation of the Khaatumo regions in Puntland elections.