Garowe, Somalia — Puntland, a federal member state of Somalia, has called on the Federal Government of Somalia to suspend a fisheries agreement with Türkiye in waters the regional administration describes as its territorial waters in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
In a letter addressed to the federal government and the international community, Puntland urged respect for Somalia’s Provisional Constitution and the country’s federal system, arguing that the agreement concerns areas under its jurisdiction.
The administration also objected to what it described as the operation of coast guard forces within its territorial boundaries without its approval. In addition, Puntland criticized the activities of SOMTURK, a Somalia–Türkiye joint venture, alleging that the company is conducting fisheries exploration in waters off Puntland without the consent of the regional administration.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not yet publicly responded to Puntland’s statement.
