Puntland–Somaliland Sign Unexpected MOU Amid Unclear PUNTLAND Parliamentary Role.

Garowe – October 10, 2025
In a surprising diplomatic development, the authorities of Puntland and Somaliland have signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering cooperation in political, security, and maritime affairs, as well as combating organized crime and terrorism, a move that has stunned observers across Somalia.

Officialls from Puntland and Somaliland, in Nairobi on 05, Oct.

The MoU, signed on October 5, reportedly includes clauses acknowledging Somaliland’s self-declared independence, a position no other Somali regional administration has formally endorsed since 1991.

According to documents reviewed by Sahan Post, the MoU states that “Puntland respects the will of Somaliland and its independence.” The agreement was signed by Said Jama Qorshel, Puntland’s Minister of Health, and Khadar Abdi, Somaliland’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.

Secret Negotiations and Political Silence

Sources close to Sahan Post reveal that back-channel negotiations between Puntland and Somaliland have been underway for several months. A senior presidential adviser from Puntland is said to have made multiple trips to Hargeisa to facilitate talks aimed at establishing “comprehensive cooperation” between the two sides.

Despite the significance of the deal, Puntland’s Parliament and top leadership have so far remained silent on the matter. Lawmakers have not yet commented on the legality or constitutional basis of the MoU, which some opposition figures describe as being “in violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and Puntland’s founding principles.”

Several opposition parties in Puntland have publicly rejected the MoU, calling it unlawful and accusing the regional government of undermining the unity of Somalia.

“This MoU legitimizes Somaliland’s independence and goes against everything Puntland has stood for since its establishment,” one opposition leader told Sahan Post.

Somaliland officials, on the other hand, have welcomed the agreement, viewing it as a diplomatic breakthrough. Minister Khadar Abdi stated that the MoU represents a “strategic milestone in the recognition process of Somaliland.”

“This MoU has long-term strategic and security implications,” Abdi said. “It will accelerate Somaliland’s diplomatic efforts toward achieving full international recognition. Only a few understand how significant this step is for us.”

Federal Pressure and Regional Dynamics

Political analysts suggest that pressure from the Federal Government of Somalia and the newly established Northeastern administration may have played a role in pushing the two regions toward the deal.

While details remain scarce, the development underscores shifting dynamics in Somalia’s federal landscape, where regional authorities increasingly assert their own political and security agendas amid fragile national unity.

As of now, Puntland’s parliamentary stance remains unclear, leaving open questions about whether the MoU will be ratified, rejected, or quietly ignored.

---

Reporting by: Sahan Post News Desk