Puntland reportedly halts some Aid Agencies over alleged political interference

The Puntland administration has announced that it will stop some humanitarian organizations operating in its areas, accusing them of straying from their aid mandate and becoming involved in the politics of Somalia.

Speaking on behalf of the Puntland Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management, the minister Abdinasir Haji Yusuf said that humanitarian groups, especially those carrying out development projects that do not align with Puntland’s needs, would not be allowed to continue working in the region.

“The aid organizations working in Puntland, particularly those implementing development projects that we cannot see as serving our interests, have been told that their work will be suspended in our areas,” said the minister.

Puntland Regional State also claimed that the share it receives from international aid allocated to Somalia is extremely small.

The administration argued that Puntland receives only about one percent, while much of the aid is redirected to southern regions of the country.

Puntland accused the Federal Government of Somalia and some international organizations of distributing aid based on political considerations rather than on the level of humanitarian need across different parts of the country.

Puntland officials called for a review of how international aid is allocated, urging that distribution be based on a transparent assessment grounded in real needs, so that all Somali communities can receive help fairly and on an equal basis.

The decision comes amid ongoing political misunderstandings between Puntland and the Federal Government of Somalia. So far, the Federal Government and the aid organizations affected have not responded to Puntland’s allegations or its announcement.

Mustaqbal