In a joint press statement issued on Thursday, the leaders of Jubaland and Puntland declared that recent amendments to Somalia’s constitution are null and void. They argued that the federal government lacks the legal authority to make such changes without a nationwide referendum.
Following a multi-day meeting, the two regional leaders stated that any actions resulting from the constitutional amendments would be considered illegitimate. They called on the Somali federal government to uphold the existing constitution and preserve national unity.
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni noted that this was their first meeting in years, due to prior political differences. After extensive discussions, they resolved many of their disputes and agreed to collaborate in addressing the broader political crisis facing Somalia.
Madobe and Deni previously joined forces in 2021 to oppose former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo during a contentious election period. They are now aligned once again, this time opposing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, with whom both regions have ongoing disagreements.
