Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA)

PUNSAA wishes all Muslims a blessed Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak

🌙✨ Ramadan Kareem ✨🌙 PUNSAA extends warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah on the blessed month of Ramadan.

The Somali Council for the Future met with Somali Civil Society this afternoon, briefing them on progress toward dialogue with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Civil Society stressed the urgency of a successful dialogue that delivers a broad, consensus-based solution to the transitional phase—especially amid the country’s severe drought and ongoing geopolitical shifts.

PUNSAA, clarifies to the Somali public that it has never been part of the amendments made to the Federal Government’s Provisional Constitution, whether those already amended or those still pending. PUNSAA recalls that despite a press release issued today by Somalia’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs claiming consultations with PUNSAA, the position of Puntland civil society remains the same as stated on March 30, 2024. 👇🏽

PUNSAA recalls that despite a press release issued today by Somalia’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs claiming consultations with PUNSAA, the position of Puntland civil society remains the same as stated on March 30, 2024. 👆🏼

Puntland Civil Society Organizations had several meetings with European ambassadors who attended the launch of the Puntland Government’s 5-Year Development Plan (2026–2030), discussing community development, regional security dynamics, drought impacts, and strengthening democracy, accountability, and good governance.

Dhahar, 30 December 2025: A consultative meeting was held for the community of Dhahar District, jointly organized by the Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) and the Puntland Electoral Commission, focusing on Electoral Laws, including the Elections Law, the Political Parties and Associations Law, and the Voter Registration Law. The meeting particularly discussed the Political Parties and Associations Law and the Voter Registration Law, and was chaired by members of the Puntland Electoral Commission.

Puntland’s Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) has strongly opposed #Israel’s recognition of #Somaliland, saying #Somalia is one country and that its future must be determined by its people.

#Badhan A public consultation meeting on the preparation of the District Development Framework, jointly organized by PUNSAA and the Puntland Ministry of Interior, focusing on community participation.

#Dhahar A public consultation meeting on the preparation of the District Development Framework, jointly organized by PUNSAA and the Puntland Ministry of Interior, focusing on community participation.

#Iskushuban A public consultation meeting on the preparation of the District Development Framework, jointly organized by PUNSAA and the Puntland Ministry of Interior, focusing on community participation.

#Baargaal A public consultation meeting on the preparation of the District Development Framework, jointly organized by PUNSAA and the Puntland Ministry of Interior, focusing on community participation.

#Dec2025 #Ufayn: PUNSAA and the Ministry of Interior held a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

#Dec2025 #Badhan: PUNSAA and Puntland Ministry of Interior organized a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

#Nov2025 #Iskushuban: PUNSAA, together with Puntland Ministry of Interior, held a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

#Nov2025 #Dhahar: PUNSAA, in collaboration with Puntland Ministry of Interior, held a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

#Nov2025 #Bargaal: PUNSAA and Puntland Ministry of Interior held a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

#Nov2025 #Dangoroyo: PUNSAA and Puntland Ministry of Interior organized a Consultation Workshop on District Development Framework with Duty Bearers.

Public Appeal: Allocation of Women's Quota in PuntlandElectoral Law   To: • Puntland Electoral Commission • Political Parties of Puntland • Puntland House of Representatives • Puntland Government Cabinet   Subject: Civil Society Appeal: Allocation of Women's Quota in Puntland Electoral Law Dear Sirs and Madams,   The civil society of Puntland commends the implementation of the one-person-one-vote electoral process in Puntland and welcomes the ongoing review of the electoral laws, which is currently in the stakeholder consultation phase. After reviewing the draft electoral law, civil society has considered the following key points:   • The need for representative councils and local governments that are inclusive and reflect all segments of society, especially women, who constitute approximately half of Puntland’s population. • The reality that the exclusion of women from political participation, particularly in the House of Representatives, undermines the protection of the rights of mothers, children, and vulnerable groups, and hinders balanced development. • Historically, women held five seats (7.5%) in the founding Puntland parliament, but today they hold only one seat (1.5%), indicating a consistent decline in women's representation. • The 1998 Puntland Founding Charter (Article 6, Annex 1, Clause 2) allocated five special seats for women—one per region—while allowing women to contest the remaining 61 seats. At that time, Puntland had five regions and districts. Today, there are nine regions and over 50 districts.   Article 12 of the Puntland Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens and prohibits all forms of discrimination.   Article 17.3 of the Puntland Local Council Elections Law stipulates that the top five names on any candidate list must not be exclusively male or female. The participation guidelines for women and vulnerable groups in the 36-district local council elections required that at least one out of every three candidates be a woman. Therefore, Puntland’s civil society acknowledges that the reasons for establishing these legal provisions still exist. Women in Puntland continue to face barriers to election or appointment due to entrenched social norms, economic challenges, and the clan-based power-sharing system. Numerous consultations have been held with the Electoral Commission (PEC), political parties, and the Ministries of Interior, Women, and Justice, as well as with various stakeholders and officials, to ensure inclusive electoral laws. However, it is unfortunate that these efforts have not been reflected in the current draft electoral law shared with political parties, which lacks any provisions guaranteeing quotas or reserved seats for women and vulnerable groups. We strongly assert that if the electoral law does not include a 30% quota or reserved seats for women, there will be no meaningful representation of women. Therefore, Puntland’s civil society—especially women—will not support electoral laws that fail to ensure inclusive representation.   Finally, We call on the Puntland Electoral Commission, political parties, and government institutions to amend the draft electoral law to include a 30% women’s quota or reserved seats for women. This appeal is endorsed by:   1. Puntland Non-State Actors Association (PUNSAA) 2. Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC) 3. Media Association of Puntland (MAP) 4. Puntland Youth Association Network (PYAN) 5. Puntland Women Lawyers Association (PUWLA) 6. Hanbile Youth Development Initiative 7. Somali Women and Youth Concern (SWYC) 8. KAALO Aid and Development 9. NASIIHA Foundation   Note: Civil society is ready to contribute to the ongoing legal review process. However, the issue of representation requires urgent attention.   Wa Bilaahi Towfiiq (May God grant success