By: Warsame Digital Media (WDM)
To the international donor community,
The people of Puntland State of Somalia have watched with growing alarm as international aid, pledged in the name of unity, development, and federalism, is increasingly weaponized to serve narrow political interests. Aid intended to improve lives and strengthen governance is instead being manipulated to impose authoritarian control from Mogadishu—at the expense of equity, trust, and federalism.
This is not an accusation made lightly. Puntland, a founding pillar of the Somali Federal Republic and a model of self-governance, has been deliberately sidelined in development programming, budgetary allocations, and donor-led initiatives. Resources acquired in the name of “Somalia” are disproportionately channeled through federal institutions that lack the will—or in some cases, the constitutional authority—to represent or deliver on behalf of all federal member states.
Donors cannot claim ignorance. Repeated warnings have been issued by Puntland and other federal entities, urging a more balanced and transparent mechanism for aid delivery. Yet little has changed. Development partners continue to funnel assistance through a centralized bureaucracy that has shown open hostility toward Puntland’s autonomy and governance model.
Let us be clear: aid that undermines local ownership, disregards constitutional mandates, and serves as a lever for political compliance is not aid—it is coercion. It empowers autocracy, stifles regional initiative, and erodes the very foundations of the federal system donors once helped to craft.
Puntland has thrived not because of external largesse but because of internal resilience. We built functioning institutions while others crumbled. We maintained peace and democratic transitions while others turned to conflict. We earnesly fight extremists where others abysmally fail. We are not seeking special treatment—only our fair share, delivered through mechanisms that respect our identity, governance, and constitutional rights.
This is an urgent call for course correction. The donor community must:
1. End the monopolization of aid through Mogadishu and adopt a dual-track system that directly engages capable federal member states like Puntland.
2. Uphold constitutional principles in all aid agreements and programming.
3. Insist on transparency and accountability in the distribution of donor funds, not just at the federal level, but across all tiers of government.
4. Respect regional autonomy and avoid becoming complicit in centralization schemes that threaten peace and stability.
Donor silence is no longer neutral—it is enabling. If the international community truly values democratic governance, federalism, and sustainable development, then it must act now. Puntland will continue on the path of self-reliance and determination. But we will not remain silent as our people are denied the resources, respect, and representation they rightfully deserve.
The time for quiet diplomacy has passed. The donor community must choose between enabling authoritarian consolidation—or supporting a pluralistic and balanced federal Somalia.
Puntland has chosen its path. Will you stand with us?
Warsame Policy & Media Network (WAPMEN) 