Mogadishu, 22 February 2026 — The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has formally rejected the recent amendments to Somalia’s 2012 Provisional Constitution, escalating tensions between the federal government and key regional administrations.

Speaking during a series of high-level meetings in Mogadishu on Saturday, President Deni stated that any constitutional amendments adopted without the full participation and consent of all Federal Member States would be considered illegitimate.

“My administration will not be governed under a constitution amended through exclusion. Any constitution being drafted without broad-based agreement holds no legitimacy,” Deni said.

He emphasized that the 2012 Provisional Constitution represents a foundational social contract among Somalia’s political stakeholders and argued that any revisions must reflect the same inclusive and consensus-driven approach that guided its original adoption.

Deni’s remarks come as the Federal Parliament of Somalia continues deliberations on proposed amendments aimed at transitioning the country from a provisional constitutional framework to a permanent federal order. The debate has intensified divisions over key issues, particularly the distribution of political power and resources between the federal government and Federal Member States.

The administration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is actively advocating for the implementation of a one-person, one-vote electoral system as part of broader political reforms. However, Puntland and Jubaland have expressed opposition to the proposed model, favoring the continuation of the 4.5 clan-based power-sharing system, which they argue better reflects Somalia’s current political and security realities.

The constitutional dispute coincides with ongoing political negotiations between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somalia Future Council, which have remained stalled for a second consecutive day. Both sides are engaged in internal consultations before resuming formal talks.