The Ministry of Energy, Minerals, and Water of Puntland has strongly opposed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. State of West Virginia.
In an official statement released on March 16, 2026, Puntland authorities formally announced that they would not recognize any international agreement regarding the region’s resources made without direct consultation and consent.
In this dispute, described as a challenge to federalism, the focus is on an agreement concerning the exploration and development of “critical minerals” found within Somalia. Puntland officials accused Mogadishu of bypassing Federal Member States entirely, thereby violating the spirit of the 2012 Provisional Constitution.
Citing Article 44 of the Federal Constitution regarding the sharing of natural resources, the Ministry emphasized that no federal or international agreement can commit resources located within Puntland without the consultation and consent of Puntland authorities.
The Ministry raised three primary grievances regarding the West Virginia agreement. The first is a lack of consultation, with Puntland stating it was completely excluded from discussions affecting its own mineral deposits.
The second is federal inconsistency; the Ministry criticized the Federal Government for a “double standard,” noting that while it restricts Member States from making independent deals, it has bypassed them to sign international agreements itself.
The third concern involves investment instability. Authorities warned that such “unilateral agreements” create legal uncertainty and jeopardize the long-term interests of both Somali citizens and foreign investors.
It was also reported that Puntland has called for transparency as a solution to the dispute. Accordingly, the region demanded the full public disclosure of the MoU and its legal status. Furthermore, they urged the establishment of a constitutionally compliant natural resource governance framework before any future international commitments are signed.
